Good morning Honorable Marise C. James, other members of the 
36th Legislature’s Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure, 
& Planning, non-committee  members, fellow testifiers, staff 
present and members of the public,  both viewing and listening 
public; 
My name is Angel Torres Sr. I am a born and raised Virgin Islander, 
life-long St. Croix resident, and professionally, a retired Fire Chief. 
For the past 15 years, my wife and I have been trying to construct 
a commercial business center. Our plans include office rental 
spaces, independent service station and food mart, located at No. 
3 Estate Hartman on the South East End Quarter of St. Croix. We 
have done everything possible to make this family dream come 
true. We own the property outright, and have an approved 
commercial loan, as well as permits in place.  
However, due to the ever-rising costs of construction and materials, 
we find ourselves short on the needed equity to close on my loan 
and NO local funding sources have been willing to provide any 
financial assistance.  
C-PACE is a game changer for me. While it is an additional loan, its 
considered equity by my lender, as it’s billed as a tax assessment 
instead of a loan on my balance sheet. If C-PACE is approved in 
the Virgin Islands, I can move forward immediately, retain 100% 
ownership/control and finally construct this family-owned and 
much needed facility.  
I see no downside to the C-PACE program. It will allow other small 
business owners to move forward. Once approved, this bill would 
not only assist me in my endeavors, but will open doors for every 
aspiring young local man and women entrepreneur in creating new 
small business opportunities. Undoubtedly, this will help boost the 
Virgin Islands economy and create jobs. 
 Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to this body’s full 
support.