Territory—s new School Construction bureau outlines $13.3M summer repair program and funding gaps

The Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance told the Senate Committee on Education and Workforce Development on June 17 that it has more than 130 summer repair projects planned across the territory and has spent or encumbered most of earlier appropriations, but gaps in ARPA and other funding threaten timely completion.

The bureau—s executive director, Craig Benjamin, told senators the bureau has 51 projects in the St. Thomas/St. John district (estimated $5.5 million) and over 80 projects on St. Croix (estimated $8.0 million). "Our summer repair schedule represents a vital investment in student and staff safety," Benjamin said, summarizing work that ranges from temporary roof repairs and electrical upgrades to HVAC, restroom and kitchen fixes.

Why it matters: Senators pressed bureau staff on whether school facilities will be ready for the August reopening. Committee members repeatedly flagged electrical upgrades required before AC work can be completed and questioned contingency plans after federal ARPA funds were reduced, delaying payment to contractors and risking work stoppages.

Key facts and funding: Benjamin and his finance staff said the bureau has received earlier legislative appropriations: Act 87-17 ($5.0 million, split $2.5M per district) and Act 89-18 ($7.0M, split $3.5M per district), for a $12.0M total received to date. A subsequent appropriation that had been $20M was reduced to $10M (act/bill referenced in testimony). The bureau…