The Committee on Rules and Judiciary voted Oct. 23, 2025 to report Bill No. 36‑0119, a measure to reprogram $5,000,000 originally appropriated under Act No. 86‑51 for VIGL Operations LLC and move those funds to the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation to complete the Randall Doc James Racetrack on St. Croix.

Sponsor Senator Avery L. Lewis said the racetrack is a cultural and economic asset and that the original developer has not completed promised work despite prior grants and agreements. The bill directs the reprogramming so a public agency accountable to the territory will oversee the remaining work, including site preparation, contracting and mobilization.

Senators discussed the scope and cost of completing the track. Committee members noted the running surface and stables require significant work; staff referenced an earlier assessment that full restoration could cost roughly $12 million in total, making the $5 million reprogramming a partial but immediate step to mobilize work. Supporters argued the appropriation should be used to finish the project and reinstate local racing activity that supports small businesses and horse owners.

The committee voted to report the bill favorably by a 4‑0 tally with three absences. The measure will proceed to the full Legislature for further consideration.