Virgin Islands Port Authority lays out P3 airport plan, cruise growth and dredging priorities

Summary

VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dow told the Legislature’s economic committee that a public‑private partnership (Sky City/ViPorts Partners) will finance major terminal work at Henry E. Rolson (St. Croix) and Cyril E. King (St. Thomas), and that cruise calls — especially in Frederiksted — are set to rise. VIPA said it has sought federal grants and

The Virgin Islands Port Authority presented a broad portfolio of airport, cruise and cargo projects to the Legislature’s Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture on March 10, telling senators the agency is pursuing a public‑private partnership (P3) to deliver complete terminal upgrades for Henry E. Rolson Airport on St. Croix and Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas.

Executive Director Carlton Dow described the selected consortium, ViPorts Partners (operating as Sky City VI LLC), as the port authority’s private partner to design, finance, build and operate the terminals under a long‑term lease. “Neither VIPA nor the government of the Virgin Islands has millions of dollars needed to complete this major undertaking. Therefore, we are leaning towards a public‑private partnership agreement to modernize and improve the travel experience at our airports,” Dow said. He stressed ownership remains public: VIPA will retain title to airport assets and continue to receive FAA grants.

Airport rehabilitation and P3 timeline VIPA said both terminal projects will be implemented in phases and that financial close is expected in the second quarter of 2025, with construction starting by the end of 2025 or the first quarter of 2026. The authority…

Virgin Islands Port Authority lays out P3 airport plan, cruise growth and dredging priorities

Summary

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