Waste Management Authority seeks fee authority, federal grants for landfills and wastewater repairs

The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (WMA) appeared July 21 before the legislative committee to describe a FY2026 budget driven by two needs: stable recurring revenue for collection and landfill operations, and large federal grants and contracts for landfill upgrades and wastewater infrastructure.

Interim Executive Director and CFO Daryl Griffith said the government recommended appropriation to WMA for FY2026 totals $42,800,000 (breakdown given in testimony). The authority projects a $53,619,240 balanced budget and expects to generate tipping‑fee revenue and, if approved by the Public Services Commission (PSC) and collected on property tax bills, a newly proposed solid‑waste collection/disposal/maintenance fee.

Lede points - New recurring fee proposal: WMA described a proposed solid waste collection, disposal and maintenance fee designed to cover territorial house‑to‑house collection, bin sites and transportation to landfills. The proposed rate examples in testimony: $180 per year for residential units (about $15/month). WMA estimated 34,022 residential unit accounts and 20,718 vacant‑lot parcels and projected 70% collection, estimating roughly $6.9 million a year at that collection rate. - Existing revenue and past‑due liabilities: Griffith said the…