The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) recently awarded $3.7 million to the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (DPW) for a dual-phase drainage improvement project on Mahogany Road.
The Mahogany Road Drainage Improvement Project will remedy stormwater runoff issues along Mahogany Road within the La Grange Gut Watershed. Specifically, it will improve the upper section of the La Grange Gut starting high in the rainforest above Frederiksted and a portion of Mahogany Road west of the location where the La Grange gut bears south away from Mahogany road.
“The department is pleased that this much-needed project has been approved,” said DPW Commissioner Nelson Petty Jr., “It aligns with our mission to build resiliency into all of our projects.”
Funding for Phase I has been obligated in the amount of $354,389 and includes the completion of a hydrological analysis of the watershed, a technical feasibility study, a cost-effectiveness analysis and environmental reviews of all mitigation possibilities.
This project is a component of a larger the Department of Public Works’ capital reconstruction roadway project of Mahogany Road (Route 73).
“The construction of resilient roadways does not only apply to main thoroughfares,” Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Office of Disaster Recovery director. “Correcting potentially damaging and longstanding runoff issues is a critical piece of building a stronger infrastructure.”
Phase II will include mitigation measures, such as the construction of ditches and culverts, concrete outlet pipes, retention ponds and catchments. The anticipated cost of installation is $3,345,820 for a total maximum project cost of $3,700,209.
