Press Releases

PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $18 MILLION FOR V.I. PUBLIC BROADCASTING ON ST. THOMAS

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement announcing $18 million in grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the V.I. Public Broadcasting System in St. Thomas:

“I am very pleased to announce that FEMA has awarded a grant totaling $18,040,342.93 to the V.I. Public Broadcasting System in St. Thomas. This award is for permanent repairs to buildings and damaged infrastructure, including hazard mitigation measures, that will be integral for improving our preparedness and resiliency against natural disasters. I was pleased to secure provisions into U.S. law that allow FEMA, for the duration of the recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Virgin Islands, to rebuild critical infrastructure like communications infrastructure to incorporate resilient design and features, up to the latest industry building standards and notwithstanding pre-disaster conditions in the Virgin Islands (the standard that normally applies). This project is eligible for this additional assistance.  It was evaluated for prudent replacement and found to be eligible.

“I commend the Office of Disaster Recovery and the V.I. Public Broadcasting System for securing this funding and look forward to working with them to ensure the funds are fully utilized.”

###