January 23, 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 Queen Mary 
Highway Underground Electrical Project, St. Croix 
 
Dear Commissioner Oriol: 
 
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (VIWAPA) respectfully request a Decision of Coastal 
Consistency for their Queen Mary Highway Underground Electrical Project in St. Croix.  VIWAPA is 
proposing to install of underground ducts with manholes, pad-mount transformers, and other 
underground devices to replace existing overhead distribution lines along Queen Mary Highway from 
Emancipation Dr. in Frederiksted to the Villa La Reine intersection.  
 
This will provide underground power infrastructure to businesses, government agencies and residences.  
The purpose of the project is to provide improved electrical power resilience to critical infrastructure on 
the island of St. Croix. 
 
Duct banks will be installed under Queen Mary Highway and along with pad mounted transformers, pad 
mounted switch gear, electrical manholes, pedestal mounted meters and communications handholes.  
The duct banks will branch off alongside roads to provide access to business and facilities along the 
route.  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 12 months to complete, phase 2 will take approximately 12 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 M. Bryan  
Interim Chief Operating Officer – Electric Systems