Press Releases

For Immediate Release                                            Contact: Alayah Phipps 

October 16, 2025                                                                    202-813-2793  

PRESS RELEASE

CONGRESSWOMAN PLASKETT RELEASES STATEMENT ON PROPOSED VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY FEES

U.S. Virgin Islands - Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett issued the following statement regarding the marine and facility fee increases proposed by the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA):

“Efficient, reliable, and accessible transit between islands is a fundamental need for our multi-island community. Virgin Islands residents depend on inter-island ferry and barge services for essential daily activities including to commute to work, access healthcare, and conduct business. The proposed fee increases will affect our entire community, and these impacts should be a primary consideration as VIPA determines how to fund necessary operations.

“I greatly appreciate the work of VIPA Director Dowe who held hearings on St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas to create opportunities for the community to be heard. I have spoken with Director Dowe and believe he is earnestly taking under consideration the concerns expressed by residents regarding the proposed fee increases.

“I understand the cost increase impact on Virgin Islands residents. While VIPA must maintain safe and reliable infrastructure, the costs of doing so cannot be borne solely by our local community. I trust that the VIPA Board and Director Dowe will support fee increases that are not drastic to local commuters. I have suggested that the fee schedule for locals and visitors should be markedly different. Federal partnerships and support are essential, which is why my office will continue to do what is necessary to support these vital transit systems through federal funding avenues.

“In President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, I secured historic increases in funding for the Territorial Highway Program, the Passenger Ferry Grant Program, and the Port Infrastructure Development Program, which have provided millions of dollars in additional funding for transportation infrastructure in the Virgin Islands. 

“Inter-island connectivity challenges impact our entire territory, including between St. Thomas and St. Croix where isolation has become highly income-driven with few options for Virgin Islanders to travel between islands other than air flights. I have been vocal about the need for a federally-supported ferry system between St. Thomas and St. Croix to transport passengers, cargo, goods, and agricultural products at a reasonable cost.

“My staff has provided the Government of the Virgin Islands numerous examples from other jurisdictions and proposals with funding suggestions to establish this service, including combinations of federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which were successfully utilized in other communities, including Washington State and New York City. I was truly disheartened and frustrated when I learned that instead of utilizing those federal funds (especially a portion of the ARPA funds), the Government of the Virgin Islands is now borrowing money through GARVEE bonds to start this service. This approach creates substantial future debt, which is concerning when the anticipated revenue for repayment relies heavily on federal funding that is not necessarily guaranteed year to year.

“I will continue to reach out to the local government and, from my federal position, support work that serves the people of the Virgin Islands. I trust that as we continue to create avenues for discussion, inclusion, and transparency, decisions that are in the best interest of all will be made.”

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