The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) has approved a $199 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, starting on October 1, 2024.
This represents a 19% reduction from the previous year’s $246 million operating and capital budget.
The Authority’s Board of Governors approved the budget at a special meeting held yesterday in St. Thomas. Ava Penn, VIPA’s Director of Financial Affairs, presented the budget overview.
Also, the VIPA Board authorized Executive Director Carlton Dowe to amend the Authority’s marine tariff by increasing two fees that will charged only to cruise ships berthing in the St. Thomas/St. John district.
Wharfage fees will increase by 44 cents per passenger to fund VIPA marine operations and expenses. Also, ship dues will increase by $3.00 per passenger to fund the Charlotte Amalie Harbor dredging project slated to begin next year.
The proposed fee increases are set to be presented at a public hearing at 6 p.m. on October 15, 2024, at the VIPA Administrative Building’s conference room in St. Thomas.