Senate committee backs bill to create paid expedited building‑permit process, forwards measure to rules panel

The Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning voted to give bill 36-0135, an act amending Title 29, V.I. Code, chapter 5, §294 to authorize an expedited, fee-based building‑permit process, a favorable recommendation and forward it to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary. The committee approved the measure by roll call, 6 yeas and 1 absence, after a daylong hearing that included testimony from the bill sponsor, developers’ representatives and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR).