Department of Public Works defends $23.96 million FY2026 budget; highlights ferries, roads, cemeteries and transit projects

The Department of Public Works told the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance on July 16 that the governor's recommended FY2026 general-fund allotment to DPW is $23,958,321 and outlined major capital and maintenance projects the department expects to carry forward.

"With assistance from this body and the continued commitment from Albert Bridal Jr., two key transformative projects on Saint John are in development," Commissioner Derek Gabriel said. He listed the administration's recent accomplishments and near-term priorities, including the Spirit of 1733 ferry now in service between St. Thomas and St. John and the closing of a $152 million Garvey bond issuance to fund infrastructure projects.

Projects and funding

DPW presented a project-by-project update. Major items named in testimony and subsequent questioning included:

- Veterans Drive and related Melvin Evans Highway improvements, funded in part by the recent Garvey issuance. Commissioner Gabriel said the Garvey transaction secured $152 million; Mr. Jomo McLean, DPW's highway program manager, said roughly $12 million a year will be debt service on the issuance.

- Ethel McIntosh Memorial Drive (Mahogany Road) rehabilitation, under construction with culvert replacements, retaining-wall work and 5.65 miles of roadway rehabilitation.

- Clifton Hill Connector and Melvin Evans…