Moving another step toward converting to lower cost propane fuel, the V.I. Water and Power Authority and propane contractor Vitol discussed the project at a public St. Croix Coastal Zone Management hearing Wednesday at the Port Authority offices at the St. Croix airport.
WAPA presented the details of the project to the commissioners and respectfully requested swift consideration of the permit application, according to a statement from WAPA.
“This project will lower our electricity bills, make us more competitive, create economic growth and help us along the path to economic recovery,” WAPA Executive Director Hugo Hodge Jr. testified to the CZM committee. “It is also vitally important that we complete this project on time so that we all realize the many benefits at the earliest possible time. For that reason, I’m respectfully requesting that the committee render its decision as soon as practical after the mandated seven days following this hearing,” Hodge said.
A CZM permit is needed for any development activity that may impact a U.S. coastline. The Coastal Zone Management Act, passed by Congress in 1972 and administered by the Nation Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is designed to balance economic development with environmental conservation. Public hearings on permit applications are a regular part of the CZM process.
The hearing was well attended, according to a statement from WAPA, which also said the conversion should be finished and running in the fourth quarter of 2014. Customers should experience lower bills beginning in the fourth quarter of 2014, the statement said.
There is a hearing on St. Thomas on Thursday at 6 p.m. in the Department of Natural Resources conference room on the second floor of the Cyril E. King Airport.
For updates on the project, visit www.poweringvi.vi and follow the Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/poweringVI.
