Legislators have moved forward with a bill designed to repair and modernize fishing markets and related infrastructure throughout the US Virgin Islands, responding to damage that has persisted since major hurricanes struck the territory.
The Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance endorsed the measure, which now goes to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary. The legislation directs money toward public fish markets in St. Croix and St. Thomas, with funding earmarked for cleaning stations, ice-making equipment, water systems, and proper docking areas.
Commercial fishermen have struggled to operate from deteriorating facilities, working from damaged concrete docks without reliable refrigeration while federal recovery money has moved slowly through bureaucratic channels, committee members noted during debate.
Senators representing St. Croix stressed that supporting working fishermen is essential to keeping the territory's food supply secure. The bill combines market infrastructure work with other post-disaster recovery spending, including money for community health services and long-term care programs.
During the hearing, lawmakers pressed officials from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture to commit to firm deadlines for completing projects. Senators warned that spending money without swift and effective procurement would accomplish little.
The full Senate is scheduled to consider the bill in November.
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