The Virgin Islands Port Authority announced Wednesday it will begin construction of a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection building at the Victor Sewer Marine Facility, known locally as “The Creek,” in Cruz Bay on Feb. 1.
Construction is expected to be completed by November.
The old building was destroyed during Hurricane Irma in September 2017. CBP agents are currently operating in a temporary trailer in Cruz Bay and provide clearance to small charter boats arriving from foreign ports, while passenger ferries from foreign destinations are cleared in St. Thomas at Red Hook or downtown Charlotte Amalie.
The completion of the permanent CBP building will allow ferries to clear Customs in St. John.
During the construction, the contractor will utilize the parking lot at the Sewer Marine Facility to store equipment. In its news release, VIPA apologized for the inconvenience the construction may cause, and thanked the public for its patience as the authority rebuilds and improves its port facilities.
