June 15, 2023 
 
Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, Commissioner 
Department of Planning and Natural Resources 
Charles W. Turnbull Regional Library 
4607 TuTu Park Mall 
St. Thomas, VI 00802 
 
Re: Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Request for Coastal Consistency for the Feeder 9A 
Underground Electrical Project, St. Thomas 
 
Dear Commissioner Oriol: 
 
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (VIWAPA) respectfully request a Decision of Coastal 
Consistency for their Feeder 9A Underground Electrical Project in St. Thomas.  VIWAPA is proposing 
install of underground ducts with manholes, pad-mount transformers, and other underground devices 
to replace existing overhead distribution lines along Feeder 9A.  The purpose of the project is to provide 
improved electrical power resilience to critical infrastructure, businesses, and residents. 
 
VIWAPA is proposing to install of underground ducts with manholes, pad-mount transformers, and 
other underground devices to replace existing overhead distribution lines from Airport Road (Route 
302), throughout Crown Bay along Route 304, branching to service the Container Port and 
Tropical Shipping and then along Harwood Highway/Kronprindsens Gade (Route 308) to the Market and 
Guttets Gade. The project will provide underground service to GERS as well as the VIPA’s Seaplane 
Terminal.  
 
A large portion of the project includes installation into existing conduits, but will include installation of 
new duct banks, transformers, sectionalizing cabinets, electric handholes, communications handholes, 
and electrical manholes. 
 
 
Funding for this project is provided in part by FEMA and the Department of Housing & Urban 
Development Community Development Block Grant Program under the auspices of the Virgin Islands 
Housing Finance Authority (“VIHFA”). 
 
The proposed project would begin as soon as all approvals are final and will be constructed in 3 phases. 
Phase 1 will take approximately 4-6 months to complete, phase 2 will take approximately 6 months to 
complete, and phase 3 will take approximately 6-9 months to complete. 
 
Attached please find a Project Summary demonstrating the project’s compliance with the U.S. Virgin 
Islands Coastal Zone Management Program, and drawings of the proposed project.    
 
We look forward to your earliest decision on this manner. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
 
 
Ashley Bryan, 
Chief Operating Officer - Electric Systems