Senate committee backs reprogramming $5 million to restart long-delayed Randall "Doc" James Racetrack on St. Croix

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance on Oct. 7 approved an amended measure to reprogram $5,000,000 previously appropriated to a private developer so the funds can be used directly by the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation to begin repairing and preparing the Randall "Doc" James Racetrack on St. Croix.

The action, approved by the committee and forwarded to the Rules and Judiciary Committee, would remove the previous grant requirement to VIGL Operations LLC and allow DSPR to manage the initial work to restore the facility for horse training and future racing events.

Why it matters: Supporters described the racetrack as a cultural and economic anchor for St. Croix that has been stalled for nearly a decade after the private developer failed to meet contractual milestones. Committee members and local horsemen said reestablishing a safe running surface, stables and basic infrastructure will allow local trainers and owners to return horses to the island and begin to rebuild the industry.

What the committee approved and why: Sponsor Senator Avery L. Lewis and others argued the appropriation should revert to DSPR because the franchise agreement with VIGL did not deliver. Commissioner Vincent Roberts testified the reprogrammed $5,000,000 would…