COMMITTEE ON
Rueben Jennings
Assistant Commissioner 
Department of Public Works
BUDGET,
APPROPRIATIONS 
& FINANCE
NOVEMBER 4, 2025
Good morning, Honorable Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Chairman of the Committee on 
Budget, Appropriations, and Finance; Committee members; and other Senators in 
attendance. My name is Rueben Jennings, and I am the Assistant Commissioner of the 
Department of Public Works. With me today is Federal Highway Program Manager, Jomo 
McClean. Thank you for this opportunity to provide testimony in support of Bill No. 36-
0196, an act appropriating excess debt service reserve funds for certain capital projects 
in the territory. 
The Leonardo “Nardo” Trotman Drive project in Estate Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, is a 
key infrastructure initiative that demands proper planning, funding, and the integration of 
all necessary utilities to ensure its success. In the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021, 
Act 8465 appropriated $2,000,000 from the Community Facilities Trust Account to the 
Department of Public Works for this purpose. This appropriation provides the Department 
with the resources necessary to advance the project responsibly and effectively. 
It is important to note that incorporating all necessary utilities, particularly wastewater 
infrastructure, is essential to prevent future disruptions and ensure that the roadway and 
surrounding areas are fully operational. An allocation of $2 million from the Debt Service 
Reserve Fund would greatly support the completion of the Leonardo Nardo Trotman Drive 
expansion. Furthermore, the land for this project was donated under a deed of covenant, 
obligating the Territory to continue development of the roadway. Upholding this covenant 
ensures that the original intent of the donation is honored while advancing vital community 
infrastructure. 
 
Currently, this phase of the project is limited to the section extending from behind the Tutu 
Park Mall to the Charles W. Turnbull Regional Public Library. Work in Tutu and other areas 
are not included in this phase. The Department of Public Works values the Legislature’s 
commitment to providing necessary funding and stands ready to continue collaborating to 
ensure the transparent and effective use of these funds for the benefit of the community. 
 
Thank you for your time and support. We stand ready for any questions you may have.