75.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsLocal governmentHomeland Security Secretary Nielsen Visits St. Croix

Homeland Security Secretary Nielsen Visits St. Croix

USVI Finance Commissioner Valdamier Collens greets U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen at a meeting held Friday on St. Croix

Acting Governor and Finance Commissioner Valdamier O. Collens met Friday with Kirstjen M. Nielsen, the United States Secretary of Homeland Security, and William “Brock” Long, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to discuss the territory’s ongoing recovery, including matters related to the Community Disaster Loan program, accessibility to Immediate Needs funding, the permanent roof initiative under the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) Program and other federal assistance.

Secretary Nielsen noted she was impressed by the visible progress in terms of cleanup and rebuilding.

“We have made significant headway,” Acting Governor Collens said.

Collens shared the administration’s appreciation for the support the U.S Virgin Islands has received thus far and requested that the Emergency Home Repair program be extended from Sept. 11 to Nov. 30 as many homeowners still require assistance.

Also, the acting governor and Delegate Stacey E. Plaskett expressed concerns about implementing upgrades to the airports, restoring public housing and the U.S.V.I.’s economic recovery, particularly in light of the impact to the territory’s tourism industry.

The Department of Homeland Security oversees FEMA in addition to the agencies that protect the nation’s borders and ports. Acting Governor Collens highlighted for Secretary Nielsen the improvements needed in terms of border control and the operations of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Following the meeting, which took place at St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, the federal officials toured the condemned Arthur A. Richards Junior High School and witnessed the installation of modular classrooms that were delivered earlier in the week.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.