Feb. 21, 2007 — The V.I. Port Authority (VIPA) did not have the necessary quorum to conduct business at its monthly scheduled meeting Wednesday morning at the VIPA Administrative Building on St. Thomas.
After waiting for 90 minutes, Chairman Robert O’Connor Jr. announced the cancellation, saying that after trying repeatedly to contact the absent members, he was left with no choice. In addition to O’Connor, board members Dr. Yvonne E.I. Thrane and Robert Moorehead were in attendance. In order for the VIPA board to have a quorum, at least five of the eight members must be present.
There was speculation that the simultaneous press conference held by Gov. John deJongh Jr. may have been the reason that so many board members were absent. DeJongh recently nominated Hector Peguero and Gordon Finch to the VIPA governing board, but neither was present.
On the agenda were monthly financial reports, the year-to-date statements, property leases and the status of various projects.
For St. Thomas, the marine-side projects included the relocation of the Gordon A. Finch Molasses Dock Marine Cargo Facility, the $9.3 million Red Hook Inter-modal Transit Terminal, sidewalk design for Route 304 Sub Base, design improvements for Enighed Pond and the $1.3 million dredging of Crown Bay.
On the aviation front for St. Thomas, the projects include the $6.6 million taxi lane renovation at Cyril E. King Airport and baggage belt and access road lighting replacement.
For St. Croix, the work includes the $2.3 million Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility Cruise Ship Berth dredging project and security system upgrades for Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, as well as design review for the taxiway “A” overlay at the airport.
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