Hurricane Preparedness
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY,
JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Derek Gabriel
Commissioner
Department of Public Works
September 12, 2023
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Good day Senator Kenneth Gittens, Chairperson of the Homeland Security, Justice and 
Public Safety Committee; committee members; all other senators in attendance today; all 
those seated in the senate chambers; as well as those in the listening and viewing audience. 
My name is Derek Gabriel and I am the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works 
(DPW). With me today to testify on the role the department plays in hurricane preparedness 
is Jomo McClean, DPW Highway Program Manager.  
 
OVERVIEW 
The Department of Public Works plays a critical role in disaster preparedness. In 
preparation for the upcoming 2023 Hurricane Season, the department is working diligently 
to ensure all our mandates and functions are met. Our testimony today will touch on the 
various areas DPW manages for preparedness and recovery, such as damage and 
structural assessments, gut clearing and stormwater management, sand and sandbag 
distribution, and route clearance and infrastructure restoration. The department relies on 
both in-house personnel and contractors to perform the prescribed duties for both pre-storm 
preparedness and post-event recovery. As such, we host regular trainings for our staff and 
contractors, along with our infrastructure partners – both private and public -- to ensure 
efficiency and awareness. 
 
Along with the Waste Management Authority, DPW manages the function of ESF-3 where 
our focus is on route clearance, debris management and monitoring, and engineering 
support. DPW also supports several other emergency service functions as we perform mass 
movement (if needed) through the Division of Transportation, shelter preparation, and 
commodity distribution (if needed). Our engineering and operations staff actively 
participates in year-round trainings offered by the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency 
Management Agency (VITEMA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and 
other local and federal partners to ensure we are prepared in the unfortunate event of a 
natural disaster.  
 
 
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ENGINEERING SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT 
Engineering and Construction Management is a vital part of our preparedness and recovery 
process.  Our engineering team is responsible for performing preliminary and post-event 
damage assessments to the territory’s infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and government 
buildings. In addition to determining the level of damage, our engineers are tasked with 
verifying the structural safety of the territory’s infrastructure, government buildings, and 
other resources. A report is then submitted to the Governor to assist in the determination of 
whether the territory qualifies for federal assistance.  
 
DRAINAGE 
Every year, the department performs a stormwater drainage system assessment including 
all major guts, culverts, and swales. Based on this assessment, a schedule is devised to 
have them cleared prior to the height of hurricane season. In addition, particularly in the 
St. Croix district, we use our newly acquired vacuum trucks to have areas in the historic 
district cleared as much as possible. It is important to note that most of the drainage system 
is plagued by collapsed or undersized culverts, massive debris accumulation, and other 
failures that require more than this annual maintenance.  
 
As of September, we can report that all major aspects of our stormwater drainage system 
have been assessed and scheduled for continuous cleaning and maintenance – again, 
performed by both in-house staff and contractors. Far too many times, we are removing 
tires, appliances, furniture, abandoned vehicles, and other trash and debris that is severely 
detrimental to our stormwater system. I want to take this time to encourage the public to 
dispose of these items please properly in our landfills and convenience centers and, please, 
if you see a person or business engaged in illegal dumping, report it to the authorities.  
 
Finally, we are working with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources to re-apply 
for a gut maintenance permit to allow us to use heavy equipment in our guts for more long-
term maintenance. We have learned from past mistakes that our major earthen guts should 
not be completely grubbed, but rather allow for some vegetation to absorb water and hold 
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infrastructure in place. We have several projects in both districts, either in design or 
expected to start within the next six months, that will address major repairs and 
reconstruction to the territory’s stormwater drainage system. 
 
SAND DISTRIBUTION 
DPW is also responsible for sand distribution, utilizing various sites, and ensuring proper 
management of said sites. Upon VITEMA’s authorization, all government agencies are 
responsible for sending their staff - by appointment - to fill bags for their respective agencies. 
In addition to the sand and bags, DPW provides the necessary tools for filling. Pre-filled 
sandbags are reserved for senior citizens and physically challenged individuals. 
 
We also partner with the VI Fire and Emergency Services to stage sand and sandbags 
distribution prior to any impending weather. At these locations, our dedicated firefighters 
and DPW staff assist residents with filling sandbags for personal use. Private residents are 
capped at six (6) sandbags per household and government agencies receive twenty-four 
(24) sandbags per department per district. Of course, this cap is adjusted for larger 
departments with more facilities. 
 
ROUTE CLEARANCE 
Removing debris from all roadways in the territory is a DPW responsibility. This is carried 
out in accordance with priority routes and locations that have been identified by DPW and 
VITEMA. Said routes are subject to change as needed, however, priority is given to the 
Territory’s hospitals, ports, and other critical facilities. Route clearance involves pushing the 
debris off the roadways and debris removal is collecting the debris from the roadside and 
transporting it to the approved Debris Management Sites (DMS).  All aspects of the debris 
operation are completed following local and federal regulations.  
 
Both districts have pre-approved contractors and in-house personnel assigned to certain 
sectors for immediate reconnaissance once an “all-clear” is issued. Equipment is typically 
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pre-positioned to allow for rapid response and expedited route clearing, especially for 
priority routes and critical facilities.  
 
INFRASTRUCTURE RESTORATION 
In preparation for the 2023 Hurricane Season, DPW has established the following protocol 
and preparation measures: 
 
1. 
All DPW Operations personnel, along with all Roadside Contractors, are 
assigned to specific locations throughout the territory with a mandate to address 
all emergency agencies/locations first. When possible, we meet seventy-two 
hours before the impending natural disaster to review all assignments and 
protocols.   
2. 
Once a Presidential Declaration has been made, emergency contractors join the 
process of roadside clearing and debris removal. They also address all high-
priority locations first, which includes: all hospitals, fire departments, and police 
stations throughout the territory.   
3. 
Emergency Contracts – DPW has contractors for the following:  
a. Emergency Roadside Clearance 
b. Emergency Debris Removal 
c. Emergency Debris Monitors 
d. Emergency Roof Repairs  
e. DPW Emergency Generator Service & Maintenance  
4. 
Engineering staff are assigned to inspect public buildings, bridges, and 
highways (based on priority locations). Based on the level of damage, structural 
integrity, and priorities, contractors and in-house staff can be engaged to 
minimize/mitigate further damage and loss of property. Comprehensive reports 
are developed to be shared with both federal and local partners.  
 
 
 
APPENDICES
ROUTE CLEARANCE SECTOR MAPS
2
4
 Carlton RD
RT667
5
RT665
6
7
RT705
9
RT669
RT72
12
13
19
14
RT80
16
17
15
21
RT60
22
24
23
10
8
RT64
RT66
RT66
RT70
RT70
RT63
RT75
RT62
RT60
RT82
RT70
RT66
RT7013
RT7025
RT75
RT661
RT752
 queen mary hw
 queen mary hw
 Melvin Evans hw
18
1
20
3
11
RT76
RT624
Legend 
1. Fire Station (RT 7025)
2. Emancipation Drive (RT 63)
 3. Wilbur Francis Command Police Station
 4. Good Hope Rd (RT 7013)
 5. Carlton Rd (RT 667)
6. William's Delight Rd (RT 665)
 7. Queen Mary Hwy (RT 70)
 8. Grove Place Fire Station
 9. Walter Hodge Rd (RT 705)
 10. West Airport Rd (RT 64)
 11. Ancilmo Marshall Police Station
 12. Industrial Rd (RT 669)
 13. Midland Rd
 14. East Airport Rd (RT 66)
 15. Juan F Luis Hospital
16. Melvin Evans Hwy (RT 66)
 17. Southside Rd (RT 62)
 18. Ann Schrader Police Station
 19. Northside Rd (RT 75)
 20. Fire Station (RT 752)
21. East End Rd (RT 667)
 22. Great Pond Rd (RT 624)
 23. Cotton Valley Fire Station (RT 82)
24. South Shore Rd (RT 60)
ST. CROIX
2
5
10
6
8
Rt105
1
4
7
3
Rt10
Rt10
Rt10
Rt108
Rt107
Rt107
Rt10
9
11
Rt104
Legend
1. Romeo Company Fire Station 
2. Cruz Bay (Rt 105)
3. Leander Jurgen Command Police Station (Rt 10)
4. Myrah Keating Smith Community Center (Rt 10)
5. Centerline Rd (Rt 10)
6. Gerda Marsh Scenic Drive (Rt 10)
7. Zulu company Fire Station (Rt 10)
8. East End Rd (Rt 10) 
9. Bordeaux Mountain Rd (Rt 108) 
10. Coral Bay (Rt 107)
11. SouthSide Rd (RT 104)
Rt10
ST. JOHN
RT308
RT306
6
4
7
11
12
13
15
16
17
10
20
21
3
1
8
9
RT38
RT38
RT310
RT302
RT304
R30
R30
RT33
2
5
19
18
14
Legend
1. Daisy Roberta Mem. Dr. (RT 30)
2. Fortuna Fire Station (RT 30)
3. Fortuna Rd (RT 30)
4. West End Rd (RT 30)
5. Bassanio G. David Station (RT 30)
6. Crown Mountain Rd (RT 33)
7. Julian Jackson Dr Rd (RT 30)
8. Airport Rd (RT 302)
9. WAPA Power Plant Rd (RT 304)
10. DPW Operations Yard (RT 306)
11. Moravian Hwy (RT 308)
12. Veterans Drive Rd (RT 308)
13. Richard Callwood Command
14. Omar Brown, Sr Fire Station
15. Alton Adams Drive (RT 38)
16. Schneider Regional Hospital (RT 310)
17. Weymouth Rhymer Hwy (RT 38)
18.  Mariel C. Newton Police Station
19. George C. Scott Fire Station
20. Emile Francis Memorial Drive (RT 38)
21. Smith Bay Cemetery (RT 38)
ST. THOMAS