♫♫ ♫♫ >>> THE UPCOMING PROGRAM WAS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED.

>> THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PROGRAM ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF WTJX, ITS BOARD, STAFF OR UNDERWRITERS.

♫♫ ♫♫ ♫♫ ♫♫ >>> WELCOME TO "RECOVERY IN FOCUS."

I´M ADRIENNE WILLIAMS-OCTALIEN.

HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, ROADS, HOUSING.

GOVERNOR BRIAN NAMED THESE AS HIS TOP PRIORITIES FOR THE LONG TERM RECOVERY FROM THE 2017 HURRICANE, WITH SEVERAL PROJECTS NOW STARTING IN THESE FIVE KEY AREAS AND MUCH MORE IN THE PIPELINE, IT´S CLEAR THAT THE RECOVERY IS PICKING UP SPEED.

WE´LL GET THE LATEST ON WHAT´S HAPPENING FROM THE GOVERNOR HIMSELF, AS HE MAKES HIS FIRST APPEARANCE ON "RECOVERY IN FOCUS."

>>> FIRST, LET´S TAKE A BRIEF LOOK AT OTHER DISASTER-RELATED PROJECTS MAKING NEWS HEADLINE IN THE TERRITORY.

>>> I´M LA RISSA ELLIS.

THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TERRITORIAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY BEGAN THE LONG-AWAITED PROCESS OF INSTALLING NEW TSUNAMI WARNING SIRENS THIS MONTH.

FUNDED FROM FEMA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, THE PROJECT INCLUDES 44 NEW SIRENS TERRITORY-WIDE THAT WILL PROVIDE IMMEDIATE EVACUATION WARNINGS TO SWIMMERS, SHORT SIDE RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN THE EVENT OF A TSUNAMI.

FEMA DIRECTOR DARYL JOSHEN WAS ON SITE AT MEGAN´S BAY TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF THE PROJECT.

>> BEHIND ME IS ONE OF THE FIRST OF OUR NEW TSUNAMI SIRENS.

YOU NOTICE BEHIND ME IT ALSO IS NO LONGER WOODEN.

IT´S A STEEL HOT DIPPED GALVANIZED POLL UP IN THE AIR ABOUT 10 FEET IN THE AIR AND YOU CAN SEE GUIDE WIRES BEHIND IT AND SOLAR PANELS BEHIND IT.

ON TOP OF IT WE SAW THE SIREN HEAD WHERE THE AUDIBLE TONE GOES OUT THAT ALERTS YOU IF YOU´RE GOING TO HAVE A TSUNAMI IN THE TERRITORY.

WE HAVE 19 OF THESE GOING ON THE ISLAND OF ST. THOMAS, AND WE HAVE ONE GOING TO WATER ISLAND, SEVEN GOING TO THE ISLAND OF ST. JOHN AND 17 ON ST. CROIX.

>> AS EACH SIREN IS INSTALLED, THE PUBLIC CAN EXPECT A BRIEF TEST OF THE SYSTEM.

THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED THIS JUNE.

>>> ANOTHER RECOVERY PROJECT THAT WILL BE COMPLETED THIS SUMMER, MUCH TO THE DELIGHT OF RESIDENTS, IS THE BALL PARK ON ST. CROIX.

THE RECREATIONAL AREA ACCOMMODATES A VARIETY OF SPORTING AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

WE RECENTLY CAUGHT UP WITH THE SPORTS PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CONTRACTOR OF DVD CONSTRUCTION FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ON GOING RENOVATIONS.

>> DURING THE HURRICANES, THE FACILITY EXPERIENCED EXTENSIVE DAMAGES TO OUR FENCING, LIGHTING, DAMAGE TO THE BASKETBALL AND TENNIS COURTS.

AND WE HAVE JUST BEGUN THE PROCESS OF REBUILDING THIS FACILITY.

>> WE WILL DO THE JOB.

IT WAS COMPLETED.

WE BUILT A FOUR-FOOT FENCE.

SO, FROM THE NORTH SIDE, IT WAS COMPLETED AS WELL.

AND WE BUILT A FENCE FOR THE BASEBALL FIELD.

THEN WE MOVED ALL THE OLD FENCE THAT EXISTED ON THE TENNIS COURT AND THE BASKETBALL COURT.

WE PLANTED NEW POLLS AND TAKES ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO COMPLETE THE JOB.

>> THIS PROJECT COST APPROXIMATELY $250,000 TO HAVE ALL THIS WORK DONE.

IT´S BEING FUNDED BY FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY MONEY.

>> THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE NEW FIELD LIGHTING AND RENOVATIONS TO THE DUGOUTS.

THE BALL PARK SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND READY FOR THE PUBLIC BY THE END OF JULY.

>>> THE GOVERNOR JOINS FAMILY MEMBERS OF DIGNITARIES FOR A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY TO CELEBRATE THE OFFICIAL REOPENING OF THE NEWLY RENOVATED VETERANS AFFAIRS BUILDING IN LATE MARCH.

THE $100,000 PROJECT WAS CREATED BY O´REILLY CONSTRUCTION AND INCLUDES INTERIOR REPAIRS TO THE CEILING, BATHROOMS, CONFERENCE ROOMS, DIRECTOR´S OFFICE AND WAITING AREA.

AND EXTERIOR REPAIRS TO THE ROOFING AND FENCING.

VETERANS AFFAIR DIRECTOR SAID THE ONE-STORY FACILITY WAS RENOVATED WITH VETERANS IN MIND.

>> THIS BELONGED TO THE VETERANS OF THE TERRITORY, ESPECIALLY ST. CROIX.

AND I WANT THEM TO HAVE A PLACE WHERE THEY´RE COMFORTABLE, FEEL COMFORTABLE COMING TO GET THEIR SERVICES.

WE HAVE A PLEASANT STAFF.

NOW WE JUST NEED A PLEASANT BUILDING.

I THINK WE HAVE A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN.

>> THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY IS MOVING FORWARD WITH PLANS TO BUILD AN 18 MEGAWATT MICROGRIP ON ST. CROIX THANKS TO A $4.5 MILLION OBLIGATION FROM FEMA.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PROJECT AND HOW IT WILL BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY, WE SPOKE TO THE ACTING SYSTEM PLANNING MANAGER, MARQUESE McGREGOR.

>> LET´S TALK ABOUT WHAT A MICROGRID IS.

IT PROVIDES POWER UTILIZING GENERATION, RENEWABLE RESOURCES, ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM AND PROVIDES A PARTICULAR LOAD OR CUSTOMER BASE.

THE CUSTOMER BASE IN THIS CASE WILL BE THE CONSUMERS OF THE GREGORY WILLLOX SUBSTATION, THE CONSUMERS.

OUR PROJECT COMPRISES OF PV SOLAR ARRAY WHICH WILL BE LOCATED IN THE ADVENTURE HILLSIDE.

THIS WILL BE ABOUT 18 MEGAWATTS OF SOLAR POWER AS WELL AS A 20 MEGAWATT HOUR BATTERY SYSTEM THAT WILL BE LOCATED AT THE GREGORY SUBSTATION.

WHENEVER WE HAVE GENERATION ISSUES IN THE RICHMOND POWER PLANT, THE MICROGRID WILL ACTIVATE AND PROVIDE POWER TO THE USERS.

THE PROJECT ITSELF COSTS APPROXIMATELY $126 MILLION.

WE WERE APPROVED BY FEMA FOR ABOUT $4.5 MILLION TO COVER ALL ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING COSTS.

>> THIS OBLIGATION COVERS PHASE ONE OF THE PROJECT.

THE COST FOR PHASE TWO CONSTRUCTION WILL BE OBLIGATED AFTER FEMA REVIEWS PHASE ONE DELIVERABLES.

THE PROJECT IS ONE COMPONENT OF THE AUTHORITY´S FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION PLAN TO DEVELOP A MORE EFFICIENT, RELIABLE AND RESILIENT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM USING FEDERAL FUNDS.

FOR UP-TO-DATE NEWS, VISIT WWW.USCRODR.COM.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT UPDATE JOINING ME ON THE SET IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING FINANCE.

AND LET´S WELCOME FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE HONORABLE GOVERNOR ALBERT BRYAN, JUNIOR.

IT´S GREAT TO HAVE YOU ON THE SHOW, GOVERNOR.

>> THANK YOU FOR ASKING ME HERE.

I THOUGHT I HAD THE PLAGUE BECAUSE I DIDN´T GET ONE BEFORE.

>> WE TALK ABOUT THESE PRIORITIES, AND WE MAKE SURE THEY´RE YOUR PRIORITIES WITH THE TERRITORY´S RECOVERY.

WITH OVER 1,500 PROJECTS THERE´S NO WAY WE CAN DO THEM ALL AT ONCE.

AND YOU HAVE REALLY OUTLINED FOR US WHERE WE WOULD LIKE TO FOCUS THE ENERGY.

>> YOU KNOW, LOOKING AT WHAT WE HAVE TODAY, I THINK THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE RECOVERY IS THE RECOVERY OF PEOPLE.

THAT´S WHY WE´RE INVESTING SO MUCH IN HOMEOWNERSHIP, HOSPITALS, EDUCATION, AND OF COURSE LOWERING THE COST OF ENERGY, WHICH IS SO IMPORTANT.

>> WE´VE GOT A LOT TO COVER, SO LET´S GET TO IT.

LET´S BREAK DOWN YOUR FIVE TOP PRIORITY AREAS.

WE´RE GOING TO START OFF WITH HOSPITALS.

THE JLP NORTH IS THE TOP PRIORITY BECAUSE IT IS IMPORTANT TO GET OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM BACK UP AND RUNNING.

WE HAVE A LOT OF CHALLENGES THAT WE KNOW THAT THE JFO NORTH IS EXPERIENCING AND YOU TOOK A RECENT TOUR OF THAT FACILITY.

WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> I MEAN, IT´S A FANTASTIC FACILITY.

I WAS REALLY IMPRESSED BY THE OPERATING ROOMS, THE DIGITAL OPTIONS YOU HAVE IN THE ROOM NOW FOR RECORDING PATIENT CARE, ADMINISTERING MEDICATION AND ALL OF THE THINGS THAT WENT TOGETHER.

AND IT´S AMAZING THROUGH OUR TEMPORARY HOSPITAL, IT IS FAR MORE ADVANCED THAN THE HOSPITAL THAT WE HAVE IN PLACE.

STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT THAT IS GOING TO MAKE VIRGIN ISLANDERS NOT ONLY WELL, BUT THEY´RE GOING TO BE SO IMPRESSED AT HOW THE PRESENTATION IS.

>> WE´RE LOOKING T AT A TEMPORARY FACILITY.

WHAT´S THE STANDARD FOR HEALTH CARE AS WE MOVE FORWARD?

>> THAT BLEW MY MIND, IMAGINING THAT THE TEMPORARY FACILITY LOOKS LIKE THAT, WHAT IS THE PERMANENT FACILITY GOING TO LOOK LIKE.

NOT ONLY STUDYING HABITS IN THE COMMUNITY BUT ALSO LOOKING AT WHAT TYPE OF FACILITY DO WE NEED, HOW MANY BEDS?

AND I REALIZE EVEN IN THE FUNDING OF THIS THE REAL CHALLENGE IS GOING TO BE TO FIND THE PEOPLE TO THE ORDERS OF POPULATION.

THAT´S WHY WE´RE DOING THINGS LIKE BRINGING ALONG THE MEDICAL SCHOOL AND TRY AND ATTRACT MORE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO LIVE.

>> WE´RE ACTUALLY -- CHARLOTTE TIMORMAN CENTER.

WE´RE ALSO ON ST. JOHN ALSO.

YOU KNOW, THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARLIE TIMORMAN IS IT´S THE ONLY CANCER TREATMENT CENTER AND IT´S THE ONLY FACILITY THAT DOES NOT HAVE A TEMPORARY OPTION RIGHT NOW.

>> IT´S FUNNY YOU SHOULD MENTION THAT.

YESTERDAY WE RECEIVED A LETTER FROM AN ONCOLOGIST HERE ON THE ISLAND ASKING ABOUT AND ADVOCATING FOR THEIR PATIENTS FOR THE CHORUS LOT KELLERMAN CENTER TO COME BACK.

WE ARE VERY AWARE AS FAR AS BACK AS I WAS RUNNING FOR ELECTION PEOPLE WERE BRINGING TO MY ATTENTION THE NEED FOR CANCER PATIENTS TO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE CARE HERE.

IMAGINE HOW SCARY IT MUST BE FOR A PERSON AND THEIR FAMILY AND LOVED ONES TO TRAVEL IN A TIME OF COVID IN A COMPROMISED IMMUNE SYSTEM OR ON A PLANE OR TO DIFFERENT PLACES.

IT IS A TOP PRIORITY FOR US GETTING IT BACK.

I KNOW YOU ARE ON TOP OF THAT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE GET CHARLOTTE BACK IN SERVICE.

>> WE´RE MAKING FINAL DETERMINATIONS IN WHETHER THESE FACILITIES WILL BE REPLACED.

THAT MEANS WE WILL GET THE FULL RIGHTS AND FUNDING TO CONSTRUCT A BRAND-NEW FACILITY.

AND WE HAVE GOTTEN PRELIMINARY NOTIFICATION FROM FEMA THAT THIS IS RIGHT AROUND THE BEND.

SO, WE´RE WAITING FOR THE OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION FOR THOSE REPLACEMENTS.

AND OF COURSE MR. SMALLS AND HIS TEAM OVER THERE, THEY´RE WORKING VERY HARD.

THE CONTRACT FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING FIRMS TO START DOING THIS WORK HAS BEEN EXECUTED.

SO, IT´S GOING TO BE AN INCLUSIVE -- AN INCLUSIVE -- PROCESS WHERE THE COMMUNITY CAN ACTUALLY GET TO PROVIDE INPUT AND WHAT IT IS THAT THE FACILITY COULD LOOK LIKE, THE SERVICES THAT IT WILL BE PROVIDING.

IT´S A REAL TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY FOR HEALTH CARE.

>> NOT ONLY FOR VIRGIN ISLANDERS BUT FOR OUR NEIGHBORS AS WELL.

YOU KNOW CLOSER TO BBI AND FURTHER DOWN THE ISLAND, DEPENDENCE ON THE SERVICES WE HAVE TO OFFER TONIGHT ARE REGIONAL.

AND BECAUSE WE ARE THE ENGLISH SPEAKING, CARIBBEAN PEOPLE FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE GOING THERE THAN GOING TO PUERTO RICO OR ANYWHERE ELSE.

CULTURE IS AFFINITY AND FAMILY THAT PEOPLE HAVE HERE.

WE WANT TO SEE THESE TWO PROJECTS EMERGE AS REGIONAL CENTERS UP THERE.

>> YES.

AND OF COURSE THE ROY LESTER SCHNEIDER HOSPITAL ALSO.

THAT´S NOT AS FAR ALONG AS THE OTHER FACILITIES.

YOU KNOW, WE´RE WORKING ON GETTING THAT DETERMINATION AND GETTING THE COST.

IT´S A REAL PROCESS BEFORE WE CAN ACTUALLY CONSTRUCT A HOSPITAL.

WE´RE LOOKING AT IDENTIFYING COSTS, EVERYTHING FROM THE NUMBER OF DOORS TO THE NUMBER OF WINDOWS TO THE NUMBER OF DOORKNOBS.

I MEAN, IT´S THAT SPECIFIC.

SO, WE´RE SEEING SOME GOOD PROGRESS ON OUR HOSPITALS.

AND OF COURSE YOU´VE SAID, THIS IS MY PRIORITY.

SO, WHEN YOU SPEAK, WHAT DO WE DO?

>> WE LISTEN.

>> WE LISTEN.

ALL RIGHT.

SPEAKING OF LISTENING.

THERE´S HOUSING, ANOTHER TOP PRIORITY.

AND LET´S MOVE INTO THAT AREA WHERE SPECIFICALLY AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GRIFFITH, YOU´RE THE MAN.

GIVE US SOME OF THE UPDATES ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY´S DEVELOPMENTS.

>> FOR THE VIRGIN ISLANDS?

>> STARTING WITH YOUR FUNDING FOR MEGAN´S JUNCTION.

>> WE HAVE GREAT AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS COMING THROUGH.

MEGANS JUNCTION AND ST. THOMAS HAD IS FULLY FUNDED.

SO, WE GAVE LOWER INCOME HOUSE TAX CREDITS TO THE TUNE OF OVER $20 MILLION.

AND IT WAS FUNDED BY FUNDS AS WELL OVER $3 MILLION TO COMPLETE THAT PROJECT.

AND THAT PROJECT HAS GOT TO BE ONLINE FULLY 100% BY THE END OF JUNE.

SO, WE´RE GOING TO HAVE THAT LEASED UP AND PEOPLE MOVING INTO THERE.

SO, THAT´S EXCITING FOR ST. THOMAS.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

YOU KNOW THAT AFFORDABLE RENTALS, GOVERNOR, YOU KNOW YOU GET IT ALL THE TIME.

THERE´S JUST A LACK OF AFFORDABLE RENTALS.

AND THE HIGH COST OF HOUSING ON ST. THOMAS, SO THAT´S REALLY GOOD NEWS.

>> DEFINITELY.

AND THE DOOM PROJECT AS WELL IF YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO GO INTO THAT A LITTLE BIT.

>> LET´S STAY WITH THE RENTAL PIECE FOR RIGHT NOW AND MAYBE WE CAN -- OR MAYBE WE COULD JUST -- LET´S SWITCH OVER.

YOU DO HAVE SOME OTHER PROJECTS GOING ON FOR MT.

PLEASANT.

>> DEFINITELY.

AND ST. CROIX WE HAVE A COUPLE OF GREAT PROJECTS HAPPENING IN ST. CROIX.

WE HAVE MT.

PLEASANT IN WHICH WE´RE DOING PROCUREMENT FOR 13 SINGLE FAMILY HOMES IN ST. CROIX.

THAT´S A GREAT COMMUNITY.

PEOPLE ARE VERY INTERESTED IN THAT COMMUNITY.

THIS WILL BE OUR LAST PHASE IN THIS COMMUNITY.

PEOPLE INTERESTED, GET IN NOW BECAUSE AFTER THESE 13 HOMES ARE SOLD, THAT SUBDIVISION WILL BE FULLY COMPLETED.

NOW, WE´RE BRINGING ONLINE SOLITUDE IN ST. CROIX.

AND THAT´S AN EAST END OF THE PROJECT TO BRING ALONG.

THAT´S GOING TO BE 20 SINGLE FAMILY HOMES ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE ISLAND.

THEY´RE GOING TO BE A COMPLETE SUBDIVISION.

WE´RE GOING TO HAVE A LITTLE BIT MORE SPACE OVER THERE.

IT´S GOING TO BE A FANTASTIC PLACE FOR ANYONE TO CALL HOME.

>> SO, GOVERNOR, YOU´VE TALKED ABOUT HOMEOWNERSHIP IN YOUR STATE OF THE TERRITORY AND EVERY OPPORTUNITY THAT YOU COULD.

AND YOU HAVE A BACKGROUND IN HOUSING.

SO, HOW IMPORTANT IS HOMEOWNERSHIP TO YOUR AGENDA?

>> IT IS VERY IMPORTANT.

I THINK THE ONE THING ABOUT IT IS BRINGING PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY, INCREASING THE WEALTH.

AND WHEN YOU MAKE SOMEBODY, ESPECIALLY WITH THE FUNDS FROM CBDG OR HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY AND HOMEOWNER, THAT´S IMMEDIATE EQUITY.

YOU BUY A HOUSE FOR MAYBE 200,000 THAT´S WORTH 250 OR 260.

THAT´S $40,000 OF WEALTH YOU ADDED TO YOUR FAMILY.

PEOPLE LIKE US KNOW WE BUILT OUR HOMES FROM SCRATCH.

BUT MORE SO THAN THAT, NOT ONLY ARE PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM, BUT THE JOBS THAT IT GENERATES IN THE ECONOMY IN TERMS OF CONSTRUCTION, PURCHASING, THE TAX RULE THAT IT ADDS TO HELPING US COLLECT MORE MONEY, BUT ALSO SEEKING OUT THOSE LOCAL FUNDS WE CAN START TO HELP THOSE HOMEOWNERS OR POTENTIAL HOMEOWNERS WHO ARE LITTLE ABOVE THE FEDERAL CAP SO WE CAN START DONATING LOCAL DOLLARS TO THAT CAUSE.

>> YES.

THIS IS FANTASTIC.

NOW, WE WANT TO ALSO QUICKLY JUST GET A QUICK UPDATE ON WHAT´S HAPPENING WITH THE EMERGENCY HOUSING RENTAL ASSISTANCE THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS ANOTHER AMOUNT OF MONEY.

HOW´S THAT GOING?

>> THAT´S OFF TO A FANTASTIC START.

ONLINE ALONE WE HAVE 60 INDIVIDUALS RESPONDING TO THAT JUST ONLINE AND WITH OUR NON-PROFIT PARTNERS.

AS YOU KNOW WE HAVE 13 NON-PROFIT PARTNERS THAT TAKE APPLICATIONS IN PERSON AND ASSIST PEOPLE IN FILLING IT OUT.

SO, WITH THAT WE HAVE A COMBINED OVER 100 APPLICATIONS COMING INTO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THEY´RE BEING PROCESSED FOR PAYMENT.

NOW, WE´VE COMMITTED TO PROCESS PAYMENTS WITHIN 60 DAYS OF GETTING A FULL APPLICATION AND EVERYTHING IN THE PACKAGE.

SO, SO FAR IF YOU GO TO VIHFA.GOV AND CLICK ON THE EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, YOU CAN GET ALL THE INFORMATION THERE.

YOU CAN CALL NON-PROFIT PARTNERS IF YOU PREFER AND WE´LL WALK YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS.

WE HAVE OVER $20 MILLION TO HELP INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE BEHIND ON THEIR RENTAL.

>> OR UTILITIES.

>> AND UTILITIES.

WE CAN´T FORGET UTILITIES.

IF YOU´RE BEHIND ON YOUR PAYMENTS AS WELL, THAT´S PART OF THE PACKAGE.

AND THE GREAT THING ABOUT THIS PROGRAM IS THAT IF YOU ARE -- IF YOU THINK YOU´RE GOING TO BE IN TROUBLE, WE CAN ALSO DO THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE TOO FOR PEOPLE IN ARREARS.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PROGRAM.

GO TO OUR WEBSITE AND GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED.

>> YOU HEARD IT RIGHT THERE.

AND IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE, JUST MAKE SURE YOU GO TO WWW.GOV.

SO, YOU ARE ONE OF THE BIGGEST IN TOWN OR MAYBE -- YES, RIGHT NOW WITH ALL THE FEDERAL FUNDS YOU´RE PROBABLY THE BIGGEST GAME IN TOWN.

BUT THERE´S ALSO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WHO IS DOING A LOT TO RENEW THEIR PORTFOLIO, PUBLIC HOUSING ACROSS THE TERRITORY.

AND THEY´RE USING DISASTER RECOVERY FUNDS.

AND WE CAUGHT UP WITH LYDIA PATEL.

SHE GAVE US A COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE ON WHAT´S HAPPENING FOR THEIR REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS STARTING WITH CURVE HOUSING COMMUNITY ON ST. THOMAS.

TAKE A LOOK.

>> BEHIND ME YOU´LL SEE THE WORK BEING DONE FOR THE ROOF REPAIRS.

I´M BUILDING 18 AT MICHAEL J. COHEN TERRACE.

THIS WORK IS BEING DONE BY BUILDERS.

THIS WORK IS PROGRESSING WELL AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO THE COMPLETION OF THIS WORK.

IN ADDITION TO THIS CONTRACT, THERE IS A SECOND CONTRACT THAT HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR FIVE OTHER BUILDINGS AT MICHAEL J. COHEN TERRACE, WHICH WILL BE CONSTRUCTED BY LAMONT TECH USVI.

THAT CONTRACT HAS NOT STARTED AS YET.

WE´RE CURRENTLY EVALUATING THE BONDING AND INSURANCE AND EXPECT TO HAVE THE NOTICE TO PROCEED WITHIN THE NEXT 30 DAYS.

IN ADDITION TO THE ROOF REPAIRS AT MICHAEL J. COHEN TERRACE, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS ALSO CONTRACTED CUSTOM BUILDERS TO ALSO PERFORM THE WORK FOR ROOF REPAIRS AT BUILDING 25 AND THE COMMUNITY CENTER AT THE GARDENS.

WE EXPECT TO ISSUE A NOTICE TO PROCEED WITHIN THE NEXT 30 DAYS SO THAT WE START THIS PROJECT PRIOR TO THE START OF THE HURRICANE SEASON.

WE ALSO HAVE THE ROOF REPAIR CONTRACT.

THE CONTRACTOR FOR THAT PROJECT IS APEX CONSTRUCTION.

THEY´RE CURRENTLY MOBILIZING RIGHT NOW AND WE´RE WORKING ON GETTING THAT CONTRACT COMPLETED BY NOVEMBER OF 2021.

JUST AN UPDATE ON THE SA-22 DEMOLITION.

THE DEMOLITION OF THE FIRST FIVE BUILDINGS AT 22 HAS STARTED.

WE WANT TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ROAD SURROUNDING THE 225 BUILDING WILL CONTINUE TO BE CLOSED UNTIL THE DEMOLITION OF THOSE FIVE BUILDINGS ARE COMPLETED.

MOVING ALONG TO OUR BIG NEWS, WHICH IS THE PHASE ONE OF 22 HIGH-RISE.

JUNEAU IS APPROXIMATELY 20% COMPLETED.

THIS PROJECT IS SLATED TO BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER OF 2022.

WE ARE GETTING A LOT OF CALLS ABOUT LEASING OF THE UNITS, BUT WE PROBABLY WILL NOT START DOING THAT UNTIL SUMMER OF 2022.

ON ST. CORY WE HAVE THE WALTER HODGE PROJECT.

THAT REVITALIZATION PROJECT CONSISTS OF THE TOTAL GUTTING AND REHABILITATION OF 250 UNITS AT WALTER M. HODGE PAVILION.

THE BID FOR THAT PARTICULAR CONTRACT IS CURRENTLY OUT FOR SOLICITATION, AND IT´S DUE BACK ON JUNE 2nd.

THEY´RE LOOKING FORWARD TO START CONSTRUCTION BETWEEN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER OF 2021.

>> THAT WAS A LOT OF WORK THAT´S BEING DONE IN PUBLIC HOUSING.

AND I KNOW THAT WHISPERING HILLS ON ST. THOMAS, ALSO YOU HAVE GOOD WORK GOING ON OVER THERE.

>> WE HAVE SOME GREAT WORK GOING ON OVER THERE RIGHT NOW.

WE ALSO HAVE AN RFT FULL OF 13 HOMES THERE.

WE RECEIVED QUESTIONS FROM CONTRACTORS THIS WEEK AND IN MAY WE´RE GOING TO GET THOSE BIDS IN.

SO, THAT´S FANTASTIC.

AND OF COURSE THE 57 HOMES IN FORTUNA THAT WE´RE ALSO DOING.

WE PARTNER WITH THE VIRGIN ISLANDS HOUSING AUTHORITY.

THAT´S OUR SISTER AGENCY.

>> THAT´S RIGHT.

WE ALL DO IT TOGETHER.

WE ALL GET MANDATES FROM THE GOVERNOR AND START MARCHING.

EDUCATION IS ALSO A TREMENDOUS PRIORITY, AND WE HAVE A COUPLE OF SCHOOLS THAT WERE ACTUALLY DESTROYED WITH THE HURRICANES IRMA AND MARIA.

WHEN WE HAVE A NEW OPPORTUNITY WITH A LAND SWAP AGREEMENT.

>> THAT IS ACTUALLY GOING REALLY WELL.

WE HAVE A PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

NOW THEY´RE DOING THE DUE DILIGENCE AND ALL THE THINGS THEY HAVE TO DO TO MAKE SURE THEIR DUCKS ARE IN A ROW.

THAT´S GOING TO BE FANTASTIC BECAUSE ST. JOHN WILL HAVE A BRAND-NEW SCHOOL SITE.

AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, STUDENTS WON´T HAVE TO GO OVER ON THE BOAT TO GO TO HIGH SCHOOL.

WE´RE HOPING STUDENTS WILL HAVE TO COME TO ST. THOMAS FOR SCHOOL.

THEY´RE PLANNING TO DO FANTASTIC THINGS THERE AS WELL.

>> IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITY COMES OPPORTUNITY.

THIS IS DEFINITELY TRUE FOR SCHOOLS.

COURSE THE BIPARTISAN BUDGET ACT GAVE OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD SCHOOLS TO INDUSTRY STANDARDS.

AND PEOPLE ASK WHAT´S TAKING SO LONG, WHY IS THIS TAKING SO LONG.

AND WHAT THE FEMA PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WOULD DO IS FILL IT BACK TO WHAT IT WAS.

BUT NOW WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY SO IT CAN RIVAL ANY SCHOOL ACROSS THE MAINLAND.

THE OPPORTUNITY IS TAKING TIME, BUT I THINK WE´RE MAKING REALLY, REALLY GOOD HEADWAY.

BUT WE´RE NOT SITTING WAITING THOUGH.

YOU KNOW, THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION IS MOVING FORWARD.

THE SKILL CENTER ON ST. THOMAS, WHICH IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR THE FIRST MODERNIZATION PROJECT.

HERE´S MORE FROM CHIEF OPERATION OFFICER DR. DIONNE WELLS.

LET´S TAKE A LOOK.

>> WE ARE HERE AT THE RALPH O.

WEEKLY SKILL CENTER TO SHOW CASE OUR FIRST DISASTER RECOVERY MODERNIZATION PROJECT WHERE WE´RE THIS COMFORT TO ACCOMMODATE THE 9th GRADERS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL, WHICH IS ADJACENT TO THE SKILL CENTER.

AND WE´RE DOING THIS BECAUSE WE´RE ABOUT TO DEMOLISH THEM WITH A, B, AND C AT THE HIGH SCHOOL.

AND WE NEEDED TO PREPARE THE SKILL CENTER TO RECEIVE THE NINTH GRADERS.

SO, WHAT WE HAVE DONE IS WE GUTTED OUT THE BUILDING.

WE CREATED LEARNING SPACES.

WE HAVE 17 NEW SPACES THAT WILL ACCOMMODATE THE 9th GRADERS.

IT´S THE MAIN BUILDING PLUS THE ATTIC THAT HAVE BEEN RETROFITTED WITH STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT, STATE OF THE ART RESOURCES SO THAT WE REALLY IMPROVE THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR OUR STUDENTS.

SO, WE´RE VERY EXCITED ABOUT THE WORK THAT´S BEING DONE HERE.

OUR CONTRACTOR IS CUSTOM BUILDER.

IT´S A $2.9 MILLION CONTRACT TO MODERNIZE THIS FACILITY.

AND WE´RE EXCITED BECAUSE THIS IS ACTUALLY THE FIRST SITE THAT WE WILL BE PUTTING IN ALL THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT, THE FLEXIBLE LEARNING SPACES, MORE LIGHTING, BETTER ACOUSTICS, BETTER AIR CONDITIONERS, FIXING OUR FLOORS, FIXING OUR BATHROOMS.

AND SO WE ARE RIGHT ON TARGET WITH OUR DEADLINE TO HAVE THIS SITE COMPLETED FOR THE REOPENING IN AUGUST.

SO, WHEN THE BUILDING IS FINISHED, WE´RE GOING TO OPEN IT UP SO THAT THE PUBLIC CAN COME THROUGH AND SEE THE WONDERFUL WORK THAT´S TAKEN PLACE HERE SO THAT YOU GET AN IDEA OF WHAT IS TO COME WHEN WE START TO REPLACE AND REPAIR OUR SCHOOL FACILITY.

SO, WE´RE EXCITED HERE AND WE ARE MAKING STRIDES.

SO, GET USED TO IT, AUDIENCE, BECAUSE WE´RE COMING THROUGH WITH MANY, MANY MORE PROJECTS DOWN THE LINE.

BUT RALPH WHITLEY SCHOOL CENTER WHICH WILL BE THE RALPH O. WHITLEY 9th GRADE ACADEMY WILL BE THE FIRST SITE THAT WE HAVE MODERNIZED.

SO, WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS THAT WE HAVE MADE AND WE´RE VERY, VERY HAPPY WITH THE SERVICE THAT WAS PROVIDED TO US THROUGH CUSTOM BUILDERS.

SO, GET READY, GET EXCITED BECAUSE WE´RE ON THE MOVE.

>> I JUST LOVE THAT.

YOU CAN´T PAY FOR PASSION, GOVERNOR.

YOU PAY FOR SALARIES, BUT PASSION COMES WITH THE JOB.

AND ALL OF THE TEAM OPERATIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THEIR PLANS FOR THE SCHOOLS, YOU KNOW, HOW DOES THIS FALL IN LINE WITH YOUR OVERALL VISION FOR EDUCATION, GETTING STARTED WITH THE MODERNIZATION OF ALL OF THE SCHOOLS?

>> WELL, I MEAN, WHAT WE´RE GOING TO BE SEEING WHEN WE SEE THE NEW SCHOOLS COME UP.

COVID HAS GIVEN US A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY TO ADD TECHNOLOGY TO THE EDUCATION OF OUR STUDENTS.

AND WITH THE NEW SCHOOLS COMING ON, YOU´RE GOING TO SEE NEW TECHNOLOGY.

SO, THE TOOLS THAT WE USE IN THE WORKPLACE TO CONDUCT OUR WORK EVERY DAY.

I´M HOPING TO SEE NOT ONLY THE SCHOOLS CHANGE IN TERMS OF WHAT´S BEING OFFERED BUT ALSO HOW THE YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD CHANGE WHEN THEY´RE FINALLY IN AN INSTITUTION THAT LOOKS LIKE THE KEY AND EDUCATION THAT THEY DESERVE.

THAT´S GOING TO HAVE A TREMENDOUS EFFECT.

I MEAN, YOU CAN SEE ENVIRONMENTS.

THEY PLAY A BIG ROLE IN PEOPLE´S LEVEL OF INTEREST.

AND THE PASSION.

>> RIGHT, THE PASSION.

>> I APPRECIATE THAT.

>> I WAS THINKING ABOUT YOU.

BUT ALSO ON THE WEST BANK OF ST. CROIX.

NOW WHERE WE´RE GOING TO SEE THE NEW SITE THAT THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE NOW MOVING TO.

AND HOW DO YOU FACTOR IN THE NEW SCHOOL´S PLANS FOR THE TERRITORY.

WE´RE REALLY MOVING FORWARD.

WE EXPECT THAT THE SOLICITATION WILL BE GOING OUT FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE EVELYN WILLIAMS SCHOOL, MAKING ROOM FOR CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON THAT SITE.

WE KNOW THE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL WAS THE FIRST SCHOOL WE GOT COST IN FOR.

WE´RE MOVING FORWARD IN GETTING THAT SCHOOL OBLIGATED.

WE WORKED OUT ALL THE KINKS SO THE SCHOOL THAT COMES AFTER WILL BE ABLE TO GET FUNDING FASTER FROM FEMA.

THAT´S WHAT I HOPE.

FINGERS CROSSED, TOES CROSSED, EYES CROSSED, EVERYTHING CROSSED THAT WE´RE MOVING FORWARD.

SCHOOLS ARE A VERY, VERY IMPORTANT PART OF WHAT WE FOCUS ON AND OF COURSE POWER.

YOU KNOW, I CAN QUOTE THE GOVERNOR.

KEEP IT ON AND KEEP IT -- >> CHEAP.

>> BUT YOU KNOW, WE HAD SOME REALLY GOOD WINS WITH THE POWER AUTHORITY.

THAT´S PART OF KEEPING IT ON.

AFTER THE STORM WE´RE ABLE TO LIGHT UP REALLY EARLY BECAUSE OF UNDERGROUND PROJECTS THAT HAVE BEEN COMPLETED EARLIER WITH PRE-DISASTER MITIGATION FUNDS FROM FEMA.

AND WE SAW HOW THAT REALLY WORKED.

WE LIT THE TOWNS BACK UP IN A DAY OR TWO RIGHT AFTER THE STORM.

SO, MITIGATION FUNDS THAT THE TERRITORY IS RECEIVING FOR UNDERGROUNDING, WE´RE SEEING THOSE SEEDS WE PLANTED.

SO, WE HAVE UNDERGROUNDING CEREMONYS THAT WE ALL PARTICIPATED IN WHICH WE THINK WAS A RELATIVE SUCCESS.

AND THE POWER AUTHORITY ALSO HAS A NUMBER OF PROJECTS FOR MIDLAND ROAD, UNDERGROUNDING ON ST. CROIX AS WELL.

GOVERNOR, HOW DOES THAT ROLL INTO WHERE YOUR VISION IS FOR RELIABLE POWER?

>> LIKE I SAID IN MY REMARKS, WHEN WE HAVE THESE DISASTERS, EVERY DAY MIDDLE CLASS AND RICH PEOPLE GET BETTER AND EVERY DAY POOR PEOPLE GET WORSE IN TERMS OF RECOVERY.

HAVING IMMEDIATE POWER MEANS THAT PEOPLE CAN GO TO WORK, PEOPLE DON´T HAVE TO BUY GENERATORS, THEY DON´T HAVE TO BUY GAS.

THE ECONOMY CAN RECOVER QUICKLY BECAUSE ONCE YOU GET TO A CERTAIN INCOME LEVEL AND SALARY GRADE YOU´RE GOING TO GET PAID WHETHER YOU GO OR NOT.

THERE WERE A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT WENT A LONG TIME WITHOUT MAKING ANY MONEY BECAUSE IF THEY DON´T WORK, THEY DON´T GET PAID.

AND INDIVIDUALLY BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE YOUR FAMILY WITH ELECTRICITY, LIGHTING, THE ABILITY TO COOK SOMETHING, WARM SOME WATER IS A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

AND I´M GLAD TO SEE THE COMMUNITIES THAT WE ARE DOING IT IN.

THE BAD NEWS, HOWEVER, IS THAT WE´RE GOING TO BE RIPPING UP THE ROAD AGAIN.

BUT AT LEAST WE´RE DOING IT BEFORE WE MAKE THOSE PERMANENT REPAIRS.

PEOPLE SAY, OH, YOU NEED TO PAVE THE ROAD.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WHEN WE DIG, WE DIG ONCE AND WE PUT DOWN THE THINGS WE NEED AND COVER IT OVER.

SO, BRINGING OUR CHIEF POWER TO PEOPLE, WHETHER IT´S THROUGH THE NEW ENERGY PRODUCTS LIKE THE SOLAR PROJECT THAT MR. McGREGOR JUST TALKED ABOUT OR THE WIND PRONLS THAT WE HAVE GOING.

IT´S VERY ESSENTIAL IN NOT ONLY BRINGING CHEAP POWER TO OUR PEOPLE BUT BRINGING NEW OPPORTUNITIES BECAUSE NOW COMPANIES WANT TO MOVE BECAUSE THEY CAN FINALLY AFFORD THE LIGHT BILL HERE COMBINED WITH THE TAX CREDITS THAT MAKE OUR PLACE ATTRACTIVE.

>> IT´S ACTUALLY ALL -- >> INTERCONNECTED.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

>> DEFINITELY.

>> SO, WE HAVE -- NOT ONLY LOOKING AT THE UNDERGROUNDING BUT COMPOSITE POLLS, BECAUSE THE WATER AND POWER AUTHORITY IS SAYING WHEREVER WE CAN´T UNDERGROUND WE´RE GOING TO PUT POSIT POLLS.

POLES.

AGAIN, KEEPING THE POWER ON.

AND ALSO THEY HAVE TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF WORK THAT WE´RE DOING WITH THEIR SUBSTATION.

AND IN A PREVIOUS -- IF YOU CAN REMEMBER, ONE OF OUR PREVIOUS SHOWS WHERE WE SAW ALL THOSE YOUNG ENGINEERS WHO WERE ACTUALLY DRIVING THESE PROJECTS.

AND YOU KNOW, GOVERNOR, YOU ARE A CHAMPION OF YOUNG PEOPLE -- >> ABSOLUTELY.

>> -- AND, YOU KNOW, YOU WERE ONCE A YOUNG PERSON.

>> WEREN´T WE ALL?

>> BUT IT WAS REALLY, REALLY PHENOMENAL TO SEE THE YOUNG ENERGY THAT WAS -- THAT IS FUELLING THOSE PROJECTS WITH THE WARDEN POWER AUTHORITY.

BUT BEFORE WE MOVE ON TO ANOTHER KEY PRIORITY AREA, LET´S TALK A MOMENT TO HEAR FROM OUR LOCAL RESIDENTS.

WE RECENTLY TOOK TO THE STREETS, BECAUSE WE ALWAYS DO, TO FIND OUT RESIDENTS WANTED TO ASK THE GOVERNOR.

WE SAID, THE GOVERNOR IS GOING TO BE ON THE SHOW.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ASK HIM?

AND HERE´S WHAT SOME OF YOU HAD TO SAY.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT COULD BE OR WHAT IS BEING DONE IN TERMS OF REVITALIZATION FOR THE TOWN OF FREDERICKS.

IT REALLY NEEDS AN UPLIFT, SO PLEASE, GOVERNOR, GIVE US AN ANSWER.

>> WHERE IS THE MONEY GOING?

I´VE BEEN LIVING -- COMING BACK AND FORTH HERE FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS AND THAT ROAD, GOLDEN ROCK, IS A ROAD THAT EVERYONE DRIVES UP AND DOWN, EVERYONE GOES THROUGH.

BUT I CAN´T TELL YOU HOW MANY TIRES I´VE HAD TO REPLACE FOR SOMETHING THAT IS SO VISIBLE.

IT´S NICE TO SEE THE INNER PARTS OF TOWN BEING FIXED, INSIDE PARTS, SOME OF THESE SMALL STREETS BEING FIXED.

THAT´S REALLY COOL AND THAT´S UNDERSTANDABLE.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MAIN ROAD THAT EVERYONE CAN SEE, THAT TOURISTS DRIVE ON ALL THE TIME?

>> THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND PARTICULARLY ROADS, A LOT OF PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT, THE LIGHTING.

EETS HARD TO SEE THE POTHOLES, DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLES AS WELL AS THEMSELVES AND OTHERS.

YOU KNOW, WHAT´S THE TURN AROUND TIME ON JUST WORKING ON JUST PORTIONS SO WE CAN KNOW HOW THE PROCESS IS GOING?

>> SO, YOU HEARD.

THE TOWN´S ROADS.

>> AND WHERE´S THE MUST BE GOING?

>> YES.

>> WELL, FOR THE MONEY TO GO, THE MONEY HAS TO COME.

PART OF IT, I THINK, THE FIRST TWO YEARS FOR US WAS GETTING MONEY TO MOVE FROM BEING ALLOCATED TO BEING OBLIGATED, WHICH IS DIFFERENT.

THERE´S A WHOLE TON OF MONEY THERE, BUT WE DON´T ACTUALLY HAVE ANY OF THAT MONEY UNTIL IT´S OBLIGATED.

THAT´S FOR PROJECTS LIKE GETTING THE SCHOOLS FINALLY THROUGH THE PROJECT WORKSHEETS.

WE HAVE A SET SUM OF HOW MUCH A SCHOOL IS.

ONCE YOU DO THAT, GETTING THE DESIGN WORK AND GETTING THE WORK DONE.

SO, I THINK WE ARE AT THAT STAGE NOW WHERE THINGS ARE COMING INTO DESIGN AND SLOWLY TRICKLING OUT.

BUT SOON IT´S GOING TO BE FLOWING AT SUCH A FAST PACE.

I HOPE THE CONTRACTORS GOT THEIR BOOTS ON BECAUSE WE HAVE PLENTY OF WORK TO DO.

A LOT OF THE WORK YOU´RE SEEING DONE IS LATENT WORK THAT HAS BEEN PLANNED FROM BEFORE.

SOME OF IT IS DEFINITELY HURRICANE.

BUT WE´RE ACTUALLY PUTTING IN LOCAL DOLLARS.

WE JUST SENT $20 MILLION DOWN TO DO LOCAL ROAD PAVING.

AND A LOT OF IT IS MAKING SURE WE DO THIS RIGHT.

SO, ADRIENNE AND DARYL BOTH SPENT A LOT OF TIME LAST YEAR MAKING SURE WE COULD DRIVE DOWN FROM FEMA, GETTING THE PAYMENTS STRAIGHT THAT WERE THERE BEFORE, MAKING SURE THAT THE MONEY THAT WE HAD THAT WAS DISALLOWED THAT WE PROVIDED DOCUMENTATION FROM DURING THE STORM IN ORDER TO GET THAT.

SO, THERE´S A LOT OF WORK BEING DONE ON THE BACK END BECAUSE WHEN YOU SEE THAT SCHOOL BUILT, THAT´S THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG.

THE REAL ICEBERG WAS ALL THE WORK IN BUILDING UP TO FINALLY GETTING THAT DONE.

BUT I´M STILL REALLY PLEASED THAT THE PROJECTS THAT ARE GETTING DONE.

THE STUFF THAT YOU SEE TONIGHT THAT IS ACTUALLY BEING DONE VERY QUIETLY IN OUR COMMUNITY.

>> YES, AND YOU KNOW, ROADS WILL ALWAYS BE -- YOU´LL ALWAYS BE ASKED ABOUT ROADS.

ONE OF THE SPEAKERS ASKED ABOUT THE GOLDEN ROCK ROAD.

THAT´S THE NORTH SIDE ROAD.

AND THAT´S A PROJECT THAT´S CURRENTLY BEING FUNDED BY CBDGR.

>> YEAH, WE´RE FUNDING THAT PROJECT 100% THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.

AND THAT PROJECT HAS BEEN APPROVE.

AND THEY´VE ALREADY GONE OUT AND DONE THE SLIS CATION AND SELECTED THE CONTRACTOR.

>> GUESS WHAT?

OUR NEXT GUEST IS GOING TO BE COMMISSIONER NOMINEE DERRICK GABRIEL.

WE´LL ASK HIM ABOUT ALL THOSE PROJECTS AND WHERE IS IT GOING.

AND OF COURSE THAT PROJECT HAS TO GO AFTER DESIGN.

AND DESIGN CAN TAKE FROM A YEAR -- >> TWO.

>> -- TO 18 MONTHS DEPENDING HOW TOUGH THE PROJECTS ARE.

WE´LL ASK ALL THE TOUGH QUESTIONS.

AND WE´RE STILL HARD AT WORK FOR DRIVERS ON ST. THOMAS.

WE TOOK OUR CAMERAS TO THE PROJECT SITES AND HERE´S WHAT WE FOUND OUT.

>> WE´RE CURRENTLY AT THE MOUNTAIN ROAD PROJECT JUST SOUTH OF THE SHIBUYI CONDOMINIUMS.

THIS PART OF THE RELIEF PROJECT THAT WAS CAUSED BY HURRICANE MARIA.

THE ROADWAY WAS COMPROMISED BY EXCESS RUN OFF THAT BLOCKED THE DRAINAGE CULVERT THAT´S ACROSS THE STREET, LEADING TO A ROADWAY FAILURE.

>> WE WILL REPAIR THE UNDERMINING OF THE ROAD.

WE´LL BE ABLE TO CLEAN THE CULVERT, FIX THE RETAINING WALL AND RESTORE THE ROADWAY TO TWO SIMULTANEOUS ROADS OF TRAFFIC.

THIS IS A 25 MILLION BUILD PROJECT ENCOMPASSING ISLANDS ROADS.

THIS SHOULD BE DONE BY ABOUT LATE JULY.

I´M LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING A ROADWAY RESTORED FOR THE PEOPLE OF ST. THOMAS.

>> TUNE IN TO THE NEXT EPISODE OF "RECOVERY IN FOCUS" AND WE WILL HAVE COMMISSIONER DESIGNEE DERRICK GABRIEL ON THE COMPREHENSIVE UPDATES ON THE STATUS OF OUR TERRITORY´S ROADS.

>>> NOW LET´S MOVE ON TO PUBLIC SPACES.

WE SPOKE TO SPORTS, PARKS AND RECREATION.

FOR AN UPDATE ON SEVERAL RECOVERY PROJECTS, WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT´S GOING ON WITH THE POOL, WHICH IS ONE OF THE GOVERNOR´S TOP 100 PROJECTS.

AND GOVERNOR, HERE´S WHAT COMMISSIONER WHITE SAID.

>> IT´S ONE OF THE TOP THREE PROJECTS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS, PARKS AND RECREATION.

IN THE 2017 I RETAINED THE DEVASTATED THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, THIS FACILITY WAS TORN APART.

WE LOST BASICALLY THE ENTIRE POOL IN WORKING WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF ODR AND FEMA, IT WAS DESIGNATED AS A FEMA RECOVERY PROJECT.

I´M PLEASED TO SAY TODAY THAT THE DEPARTMENT JUST COMPLETED THE DESIGN PHASE.

THE SCOPE IS 100% COMPLETED.

THIS PROJECT CAME IN AT APPROXIMATELY $2.5 MILLION.

WE´RE GOING TO SEE A BRAND-NEW POOL RENOVATED AND SURROUNDED AREA BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS FACILITY IS WE DON´T JUST PROVIDE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.

BUT OUR FACILITIES BRING FAMILIES TOGETHER.

FACILITIES LIKE THE HILLS, WIN TON RAY, LIONEL ROBERTS, MILTON NEWTON, ALL THOSE PROJECTS ARE CURRENTLY AT THE DEPARTMENT OF PROPERTY AND PROCUREMENT.

THEY WILL BE GOING OUT FOR SOLICITATION FOR PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS.

WE ARE PROBABLY GOING TO PUT THEM OUT FOR 30 DAYS.

BUT I WANT TO ENCOURAGE THE CONSTRUCTION COMMUNITY, LOOK OUT FOR THESE PROJECTS BECAUSE WE WANT TO GET THEM OUT.

WE WANT TO GET LOCAL CONTRACTORS HIRED SO WE CAN GET THESE FACILITIES BACK UP AND RUNNING AND BACK TO THE PEOPLE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS SO THEY CAN USE IT.

>> GOVERNOR, THERE´S ANOTHER ONE WHO LISTENS TO WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY.

YOU KNOW, THEY HAVE OVER 50 PLUS PROJECTS IN ALL THE PARKS ACROSS THE TERRITORY THAT THEY´RE WORKING TO GET DONE.

AND I KNOW THAT IT´S IMPORTANT AFTER WE GET OUT OF THIS COVID STAGE THAT WE´RE ABLE TO GET OUR PARKS BACK.

WE HAVE MEANINGFUL FAMILY ACTIVITIES, AS COMMISSIONER WHITE MENTIONED.

LET´S TACK A MOMENT TO HEAR FROM SOME OF OUR RESIDENTS.

THE QUESTION WE POSE THEN, GOVERNOR -- YOU´RE NOT OFF THE HOOK -- WHAT RECOVERY PROJECT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE GOVERNOR MAKE A PRIORITY.

HERE´S HOW SOME OF YOU ANSWERED IT.

>> THE TOP PRIORITY THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE GOVERNOR DO IS WAPA, YOU KNOW.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE GOVERNOR MAKE A RIGHT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SCHOOLS.

THE SCHOOLS ARE IN VERY BAD CONDITION.

IF HE DOES THAT, EDUCATION WILL BE BETTER FOR THE KIDS.

>> RIGHT NOW THERE ARE A NUMBER OF TOP PRIORITIES.

WE HAVE WAPA.

WE HAVE GR.

WE HAVE HEALTH AND WHAT HAVE YOU.

BUT THE GOVERNOR HAS TAKEN A SYSTEMIC APPROACH, WHICH IS VERY GOOD.

THAT APPROACH IS TO STABILIZE GOVERNMENT.

FIRST OF ALL, YOU KNOW, RECENTLY I AND THE FORMER ADMINISTRATION, WE WERE HAVING TWO DAYS OF CASH CONSISTENTLY.

TODAY WE HAVE GONE PAST THAT SIGNIFICANTLY TO 30 DAYS TO 52 DAYS.

SO, THAT WAS PUTTING MEASURES IN PLACE.

SO, NOW THE SYSTEMIC APPROACH IS TO HAVE MONEY CIRCULATING IN THE COMMUNITY THAT PEOPLE COULD PUT BREAD ON THEIR TABLE.

>> SO, GOVERNOR, I´M HEARING STABILIZING GOVERNMENT AND MAKING SURE THE ECONOMY IS WHERE IT NEEDS TO BE.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THAT?

>> I MEAN, THAT IS A REAL BIG ONE, RIGHT?

IT´S THE FIRST PRIORITY, STABILIZE THE GOVERNMENT, TRANSPARENT, BEING SHORT AND GET PEOPLE TO INVEST AND INVEST IN OUR PEOPLE.

STABILIZING THE GOVERNMENT IS GOOD BECAUSE PEOPLE CAN PLAN.

BUSINESSES CAN PLAN.

THEY CAN SAY I´M GOING TO DO THIS.

I CAN INCREASE INVENTORY.

PEOPLE CAN PLAN.

WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO MAKE A BABY?

WHEN YOU KNOW THE CHECK IS GOING TO BE CONSISTENT.

BUILDING A HOME.

SENDING YOUR KIDS TO COLLEGE.

ALL THOSE THINGS ARE BASED ON THE STABILITY OF GOVERNMENT.

WE HAVE MADE A CONCERTED EFFORT TO PUT MONEY IN THE PEOPLE´S HAND, WHETHER IT´S THE STIMULUS CHECKS, REPAYING PEOPLE´S TAX CHECKS, PAYING OUR BILL DOWN TO WAPA SO YOUR BILL DOESN´T GET HIGHER, PAY RAISES, MAKING SURE THAT 10 MILLION PAYING BACK TO 8%.

ALL OF THOSE THINGS CAN ONLY BE DONE BY A STABLE GOVERNMENT.

THAT´S BECAUSE WE ARE VERY TIGHT.

I´M A LITTLE TIGHT ON THE ELBOW IN TERMS OF CONSERVATIVE ON SPENDING.

WE DO IT RESPONSIBLY AND WE COLLECT AND PUT THAT MONEY TO GOOD USE.

IT ALL COMES BACK BECAUSE HOPEFULLY YOU´RE SPENDING YOUR DOLLARS IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS AND NOT ON AMAZON.COM.

>> WELL, GOVERNOR, IT IS CRITICAL FOR US, THE ECONOMY.

WE CAN´T HAVE A DISCUSSION ABOUT THE RECOVERY AND NOT SEE THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE RECOVERY AND THE ECONOMY.

AND WITH ALL OF THESE, WE SPEAK IN MILLIONS.

EVERY DAY WE SPEAK WHEN IT COMES TO THE RECOVERY, WE´RE SPEAKING IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS.

BUT THE UNDERLYING FACTOR WE ALWAYS HAVE TO CONSIDER IS, WHERE DO WE GET THE WORK FORCE?

WHERE DO WE GET THE BODIES TO SPEND THESE MILLIONS INTO BILLIONS OF DOLLARS?

AND I KNOW CDBGR, YOUR FUNDING VISION 2040 AS WELL AS GUILT FOR TODAY -- >> WE´RE FUNDING, WE´RE EXCITING WITH THE MEANS WE HAVE, THE DIRECTION THEY´RE GOING TO MAKE SURE THE VIRGIN ISLANDERS CAN PARTICIPATE IN THIS.

>> NEWS PROGRAMS ARE -- WHERE WE ARE WITH GETTING THIS, THE VISION 2040 LAZ STARTED.

>> THE VISION 2040 HAS STARTED ON THE WAY IN.

THEY MET WITH THE GOVERNOR AND WE HAD A GREAT PRESENTATION FROM THE GOVERNOR AND EDA.

AND LIKE I SAID, THAT WAS FUNDED WITH THE DOLLARS.

SO, NOW ALL THAT INFORMATION IS BEING PUT TOGETHER AND PROGRAMS ARE BEING MADE BECAUSE OF THAT DATA THAT´S BEING COLLECTED.

>> YOU MAY NOT BE REALLY GOOD WHEN IT COMES TO BEING A DOCTOR OR MAYBE EVEN, YOU KNOW, A TEACHER.

BUT THE DISCUSSION ON JOBS AND THE ECONOMY AS THE FORMER COMMISSIONER OF LABOR, CHAIRMAN OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITIES BOARD, THIS IS RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY.

AND HOW HAVE YOU ROLLED IT INTO YOUR ADMINISTRATION AND THE PRIORITIES FOR THE RECOVERY AND THEIR OVERALL GOVERNMENT?

>> I BELIEVE IN STRATEGICALLY YOU GOT TO HAVE BUSINESS FOR WHERE YOU WANT TO BE.

WE TALKED ABOUT THIS IN 2002 WHEN WE FORMED OUR ORGANIZATION AND MOVED THROUGH REVENUE LUSH NIEZING GOVERNMENT AND LOOKING AT THE THINGS YOU WANT.

COMING FULL CIRCLE NOW, WHAT DOES THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WANT?

20 YEARS FROM NOW WHAT DO WE WANT OUR SCHOOLS TO BE DOING, OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM, OUR ECONOMY?

THAT´S IMPORTANT.

IF WE´VE GOT A VISION ABOUT THIS, IT´S MUCH EASIER TO MOVE TOWARDS IT.

IT´S MUCH EASIER TO PLAN AND DIRECT AND JUSTIFY THE MOVES WE MAKE.

WE KNOW WE WANT A NEW ECONOMY.

WE´RE MAKING THOSE INVESTMENTS BY BUILDING ON THE PIER, SEEING THE PIER, REVITALIZING THE DOCKS IN KING´S ALLEY, REDOING THE FISHING PIER OVER IN THE BOAT LAUNCH.

MAKING THOSE INVESTMENTS ALONG OUR PATHWAY.

WE WANT TECHNOLOGY.

OKAY.

WE GOT A TECH PARK THAT´S COMING, A WHOLE CENTER THAT WE´RE GOING TO BE ADDING TO ST. CROIX, THE BROADENING OF BROAD BAND.

ALL THOSE THINGS IN LINE WITH WHAT WE WANT THE VIRGIN ISLANDS TO LOOK LIKE.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

YOU SEGUED INTO THE PORTS AND THE PIER AND THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY RECENTLY KICKED OFF CONSTRUCTION ON A $27 MILLION PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION CENTER AT THE AIRPORT ON ST. THOMAS.

AND OUR REPORTER MICHAEL CAUGHT UP WITH CONTRACTOR ON SITE TO GET DETAILS ON THE PROJECT.

SO, HERE´S MORE.

>> GOOD DAY.

THIS IS MICHAEL VONTE, PROJECT ANALYST.

I´M HERE WITH MR. DAMION CARTWRIGHT, DIRECTOR FOR ENGINEERING, AND MR. RICARDO NADER, THE CONTRACTOR FOR THIS PROJECT.

HOW ARE YOU GUYS DOING?

>> VERY GOOD.

>> JUST A BIT HOT, BUT THAT´S ABOUT IT.

>> MR. CARTWRIGHT, AS I UNDERSTAND THIS IS PHASE ONE OF A MULTI-PHASE APPROACH FOR THIS PROJECT.

CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT WHAT WE WILL EXPECT TO SEE FOR THE COMING YEARS?

>> DEFINITELY.

THIS KICKS OFF PHASE ONE OF THE AIRPORT EFFICIENT PROGRAM.

PHASE ONE IS 27 MILLION, WHICH INCLUDES THE MULTILEVEL TRANSPORTATION CENTER.

I CHOOSE MY WORDS VERY CAREFULLY.

IT´S NOT A PARKING GA RANIL.

IT´S A TRANSPORTATION CENTER.

BEING BEING FUNDED BY OUR FEDERAL PARTER IN.

AND LOCAL MATCHING FUNDS OF 7 MILLION.

THIS PROJECT WILL BRING ONLINE ROUGHLY OVER 600 NEW PARKING SPACES.

IT WOULD ALSO HOLD THE RENTAL CAR FACILITIES AND THE TAXI ASSOCIATION.

SO, BASICALLY WE HAVE LONG-TERM/SHORT-TERM PARKING AND WE WILL ALSO HAVE RENTAL CARS AND THE TAXIS BEING STREAMLINED OUT OF THIS NEW FACILITY.

WHAT THIS MEANS IS WE WILL FREE UP ADDITIONAL REAL ESTATE FOR EXPANSION BY CONSOLIDATING AND RELOCATING THE RENTAL CAR FACILITIES OUT OF THE TERMINAL ITSELF INTO THIS NEW STRUCTURE.

THE PROJECT IS SLATED TO LAST ABOUT 24 MONTHS IN TOTAL.

SO, HOPEFULLY BY THE END OF 2022 OR EARLY 2023 WE CAN BRING THIS PROJECT ONLINE.

>> AWESOME.

THIS IS DEFINITELY AWESOME NEWS FOR ST. THOMAS.

>> SO, MR. NADER CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT SOME OF THE WORK THAT´S ON GOING CURRENTLY AND WHAT WE CAN EXPECT TO SEE IN THE COMING WEEKS?

>> SURE, WHY NOT?

WHAT YOU´RE SEEING RIGHT NOW IS BASICALLY EXCAVATION.

TAKING OUT IS DONE FOR PHASE ONE.

THE PROJECT WAS DESIGNED IN PHASES.

THE PHASE WILL BE FINISHED IN APRIL OF THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

AND THE OTHER FINISH BASICALLY ONE YEAR AFTER THAT.

SO, WHAT YOU´RE SEEING NOW IS BASICALLY REBAR COMING IN, A LOT OF REBAR FROM COLUMNS.

THEY ARE PREFAB OUT OF THE JOB SITE JUST TO BE MORE EFFICIENT WHENEVER YOU COME HERE.

AND COMING YOU WILL SEE THERE´S A LINE UPSTAIRS WHERE YOU SEE THE SPACE RIGHT NOW THAT IT WILL BE IMPACTED.

BASICALLY PUT FOOTING IN THIS AREA THAT YOU WILL SEE COMING IN THE FOLLOWING WEEKS.

>> OKAY.

AWESOME.

SO, MR. CARTWRIGHT, I KNOW THIS MAKES INCONVENIENCE FOR TRAVELLERS AS THEY LEAVE THE TERRITORY.

CAN YOU TELL US THE CONTINGENCY PLANS THAT THE PORT AUTHORITY HAS DESIGNED TO HELP EVENT THIS?

>> FIRST I WOULD LIKE THE THANK THE PUBLIC FOR THEIR PATIENCE THUS FAR AND ASK THEM FOR THEIR CONTINUED PATIENCE.

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY CONSTRUCTION GETS WORSE BEFORE IT GETS A LOT BETTER.

THEY´RE KIND OF IN THAT PHASE RIGHT NOW.

WHAT THE PORT AUTHORITY DID DO IS WE PHASED THE PROJECT SO WE COULD KEEP A PORTION ONLINE.

THAT WOULD TRAVEL PUBLIC, LONG TERM AND SHORT TERM PARKING.

AND THEN WE CREATED A SATELLITE PARKING LOT OFFSITE WHICH WILL KATE TORE THE EMPLOYEE AND TENANT PARKING.

>> DIRECTOR WILLIAMS LIKES TO SAY THERE ISN´T PROGRESS IF THERE ISN´T A LOT OF PAIN.

THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING WITH ME TODAY.

BACK TO YOU, DIRECTOR.

>> THANK YOU, MICHAEL.

I THINK I´M GOING TO ADD SOMETHING ELSE.

THERE´S A LOT OF PAIN THAT COMES WITH PROGRESS, OF COURSE, BUT AS MR. CARTWRIGHT SAID, IT´S GOING TO GET WORSE BEFORE IT ACTUALLY GETS BETTER.

AND THEN WHEN IT FINISHES, WE CAN ALL CELEBRATE.

AND WE FORGET HOW MUCH INCONVENIENCE IT WAS DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE.

GOVERNOR, YOU HEAR IT ALL THE TIME.

WHY AREN´T WE DOING ANYTHING?

THEN WE START DOING IT AND IT´S LIKE THE DUST, THE DIRT, THE TRAFFIC.

>> THEN COMPLAIN ABOUT THAT.

>> YEAH.

THAT IS THE NATURE OF WHAT´S GOING TO BE HAPPENING AS WE GET ALL THESE PROJECTS STARTED.

AND IT´S OUR JOB REALLY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE COORDINATE IT.

AND WE CELEBRATE IT AS WELL.

YOU KNOW, WE HAD A RIBBON CUTTING FOR THE REBUILT CUSTOMS ON ST. JOHN.

IT´S ALSO A PHENOMENAL, PHENOMENAL OPPORTUNITY.

IT WAS DAMAGED IN THE STORM.

AND WE NOW SEE SOME REAL PROGRESS THERE WHERE YOU CAN ACTUALLY CUT THE RIBBON AND SEE WHERE THE HARD WORK WAS PUT IN.

GOVERNOR, HOW DID THAT DAY FEEL?

>> I THINK IT´S GREAT, RIGHT?

THAT´S A GATEWAY TO OUR SISTER ISLANDS OVER THERE AND TO SEE THE FACILITY THAT IS THE DOOR MAT TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS WHEN PEOPLE COME IN.

IT´S BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS AND SURROUNDING IN THAT BUILDING.

>> IT´S A BEAUTIFUL FIRST IMPRESSION.

WHEN YOU HIT YOU MAKE A LOT OF ASSUMPTIONS WHEN YOU HIT THE AIRPORT AND SEE THE PLACE.

THIS IS A REALLY GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION.

AND YOU KNOW THE WORK THAT´S GOING ON ON THE HENRY E. WILSON AIRPORT ON ST. CROIX.

>> YEAH.

WE GOT A $7 MILLION PROJECT DOWN THERE AS WELL.

AND SOON ANOTHER $40 MILLION PROJECT FOR THE NATIONAL GUARD IS GOING TO BE TAKEN.

WE´RE GOING TO BE COVERING THAT EVEN THOUGH ALL OF THAT IS IN RECOVERY NOW.

BUT BEAUTIFUL HOW WE´RE UPGRADING OUR AIRPORTS AND GETTING READY FOR THE TRAFFIC.

WE´RE ALREADY SEEING THE TRAFFIC.

AIR TRAVEL TO THE ISLANDS IS UP ON BOTH ISLANDS.

RENT-A-CARS ARE OUT.

>> THERE´S A PICTURE OF ALL THOSE PLANES LINED UP ON THE RUNWAY ON ST. THOMAS.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW THAT?

>> YOU´RE WELCOME.

BUT IN ST. CROIX TOO WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE TRAFFIC WE´RE GETTING, WE´RE GETTING AS MUCH -- IF WE HAD MORE HOTEL ROOMS, THEY WOULD BRING MORE PEOPLE.

THE RESTAURANTS ARE BACK AT CAPACITY.

I JUST SHORTENED THE DISTANCE BETWEEN TABLES NOW SO WE CAN HAVE MORE PEOPLE IN RESTAURANTS.

IT´S HARD TO GET A RESERVATION TO A RESTAURANT IN ST. CROIX.

ESPECIALLY ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN IS OFF THE CHAIN.

>> AS MY OLD FRIEND WOULD SAY WHO WOULD HAVE THUNK IT.

WE´RE STILL LOOKING AT OF COURSE THE AIR TRAVEL.

WHERE ARE WE GOING NOW FROM HERE?

A LOT OF PROJECTS.

THERE´S A LOT OF THINGS.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT, GOVERNOR?

>> I THINK WHAT WE CAN EXPECT FOR THE REST OF THIS YEAR, WE´RE GOING TO SEE THE CREWS AND TOURISM TO CONTINUE.

BUT BEYOND THAT I THINK WE HAVE TO PREPARE.

THAT´S A BIG PART OF NOT ONLY DOING THIS FOR THE HOUSING.

AIRBNB IS DRIVING OUR WORK FORCE HOUSING, RESIDENTIAL HOUSING.

WE´VE GOT TO GET THAT GOING.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND HOSPITALS, GOD FORBID WE DON´T HAVE ANOTHER STORM.

AND THEN WE´RE SEEING ANOTHER TREMENDOUS WAVE OF FUNDING COMING BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS.

WE HAVE THE C.A.R.E.S.

ACT AND NOW WE HAVE THE ARP BUILD BACK BETTER PLAN BY THE PRESIDENT BIDEN THAT´S BRINGING $584 MILLION ON TO THE GOVERNMENT COFFERS ALONE, ANOTHER $138 MILLION FOR EDUCATION.

WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING TRANSFORMATIONAL ON MANY FRONTS.

MARINE, EDUCATION, HEALTH CARE, HOUSING.

IT´S GOING TO BE FANTASTIC.

I CAN´T WAIT.

>> WHAT´S YOUR QUICK MESSAGE TO THE RESIDENTS?

>> GET READY.

BUCKLE UP.

WE´VE GOT I LOT OF TRAINING TOO SO I´M REALLY LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO COME OUT AND TAKE PART.

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY.

MY GOAL IS 100 NEW MILLIONAIRES BY THE TIME WE´RE DONE WITH THIS.

>> YES.

AND WE´RE STANDING BY WITH ALL OF OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AND MAKE SURE THAT THESE PROJECTS KEEP MOVING, TRAINING RESIDENTS, MAKING SURE OUR CONTRACTORS ARE READY TO DO THIS JOB, COMMUNICATING THE INFORMATION OUT TO THE TERRITORY AND THE RESIDENTS TO MAKE SURE WE CAN CONTINUE THE RECOVERY TO MOVE FORWARD BECAUSE THE RECOVERY IS ALIVE AND WELL.

>> IT IS.

AND IT´S ALWAYS A TREMENDOUS PLEASURE FOR MY COHOST TO BE HERE WITH ME AND I MUST THANK YOU BOTH FOR A VERY, VERY INFORMATIVE DISCUSSION.

WE CRUNCHED ALL THIS GREAT STUFF INTO OUR ONE HOUR, BUT WE HAVE DEFINITELY RUN OUT OF TIME FOR TODAY´S SHOW.

BUT YOU CAN MOST DEFINITELY STAY UP TO DATE BY VISITING US ONLINE AND YOU CAN ALSO KEEP THIS DISCUSSION GOING ON FACEBOOK.COM/WTJX.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO BUILD A LEGACY OF RESILIENCE.

♫♫ ♫♫ >>> THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THIS PROGRAM ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF WTJX, ITS BOARD, STAFF OR UNDERWRITERS.