The Department of Public Works has again issued a request for proposals for the purchase of 50 solar lights to be installed along the Christiansted Boardwalk, the department announced Tuesday.

According to the DPW press release, this is the fifth time the department has advertised for the project; previously, either no responses were received or submitted bids far exceeded the available budget.

Public Works Commissioner Darryl Smalls said he is confident a workable bid will be forthcoming.

“We have been in touch with several manufacturers that have expressed interest in bidding on this ‘supply only’ component to the project,” he said.

Bids are due by July 31 and the department will then issue another RFP for the installation of the lights.

The purchase of the solar lights is funded entirely by an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant provided via the Virgin Islands Energy Office. The solar lights will be “turtle friendly” and will meet environmental standards.

“This is an important step towards the planned improvements for the Christiansted Boardwalk,” Smalls said in the news release. Additional plans include the reconstruction of the boardwalk flooring, made of “a composite material that is very durable, considering the proximity to the water’s edge and the high volume of pedestrian traffic.”

The commissioner said this project is the first of its kind in the territory.

“We are mindful of the delicate balance between environmental concerns and the need to achieve a public benefit,” he said.

The installation of the solar lights is slated to be completed in September.