76.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsLocal government33rd Legislature Meets With Interior to Discuss Issues Affecting USVI

33rd Legislature Meets With Interior to Discuss Issues Affecting USVI

The newly sworn in 33rd Legislature takes a first picture on the steps of the Emancipation Garden bandstand.
The newly sworn in 33rd Legislature on the steps of the Emancipation Garden bandstand.

Senate President Novelle E. Francis Jr. and members of the 33rd Legislature met today with representatives of the United States Department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs to discuss issues affecting the territory. The meeting was held at the request of the Assistant Secretary Douglas Domenech, as it is customary for the assistant secretary to meet with legislators in all of the U.S. Territories under the Office of Insular Affairs jurisdiction.

According to Francis, the meeting provided a useful opportunity to discuss critical areas of concern and exchange views on a range of issues. The wide-ranging discussion reflected the priorities of the 33rd Legislature, which include FEMA, federal grants, energy infrastructure, rum cover-over revenues, Department of Education federal funding, preservation of Virgin Islands natural resources and the federal permitting process of local projects, specifically the Army Corps of Engineers.

Senators also briefly discussed the resolution petitioning Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett to pursue the return of a portion of the gasoline excise tax to the Virgin Islands.

Francis said he was pleased with the open discussion and emphasized transparency as being critical in moving forward to address the myriad issues affecting the Virgin Islands.

“The 33rd Legislature remains committed to collaborating with our federal partners in ways that support strengthening our economy and developing strategies in moving our territory forward,” Senate President Francis said.

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS