At an emergency meeting Monday, the governing board of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) acted on two items related to hurricane restoration efforts that may be required in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
The board, by unanimous votes, approved a contract with Cobra Caribbean LLC to provide major disaster assessment and recovery services. Executive Director Lawrence J. Kupfer explained that outside damage assessment services are needed to supplement WAPA’s capabilities to facilitate the recovery process should the territory be impacted by a major storm.
Contracting the services will streamline reporting of electric system damage as well as the planning and coordination of restoration activities. Under terms of the contract, the firm will provide necessary resources to perform damage assessment activities, freeing WAPA’s internal resources to perform other restoration-related tasks. The contract total is based on the level of services provided by the vendor.
The board also approved a contract with Asplundh Tree Experts LLC for an amount not to exceed $923,917, with the option of a one-year extension, to provide tree-trimming and right of way clearance services on the authority’s electric transmission and distribution system in both districts.
Board members present included: Chairperson Elizabeth Armstrong, Vice Chair Hubert Turnbull, Gerald Groner Esq., Cheryl Boynes Jackson, and Noel Loftus. Commissioners Devin Carrington and Nelson Petty Jr., Director Marvin Pickering and Secretary Juanita Young were excused.
