United States Virgin Islands 

Recovery Plan 

State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds

2021 Report
USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 1

United States Virgin Islands

2021 Recovery Plan

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................. 3

Community Engagement...................................................................................................................... 4

Uses of Funds....................................................................................................................................... 5

Public Health (EC 1) .................................................................................................................................. 5

Vaccination Programs........................................................................................................................... 5

COVID-19 Testing .................................................................................................................................. 5

COVID-19 Contact Tracing..................................................................................................................... 5

Prevention in Congregate Settings ....................................................................................................... 6

Personal Protective Equipment ............................................................................................................ 6

Medical Expenses.................................................................................................................................. 6

Capital Investments or Physical Plant Changes to Public Facilities....................................................... 6

Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses (including Communications, Enforcement, Isolation/ 

Quarantine)........................................................................................................................................... 6

Payroll Costs for Public Health, Safety, and Other Public Sector Staff ................................................. 6

Mental Health Services......................................................................................................................... 6

Substance Use Services......................................................................................................................... 6

Other Public Health Services................................................................................................................. 6

Negative Economic Impacts (EC 2)........................................................................................................... 7

Household Assistance: Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Aid....................................................................... 7

Household Assistance: Internet Access Programs................................................................................ 7

Household Assistance: Eviction Prevention.......................................................................................... 7

Job Training Assistance ......................................................................................................................... 7

Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality ................................................................................................... 8

Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities (EC 3) ............................................................... 9

Healthy Childhood Environments: Home Visiting................................................................................. 9

Healthy Childhood Environments: Services to Foster Youth or Families............................................10

Housing Support: Affordable Housing ................................................................................................ 10

Housing Support: Services for Unhoused Persons.............................................................................. 10
USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 2

Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance ...................................................................................... 10

Community Violence Interventions.................................................................................................... 10

Premium Pay (EC 4) ................................................................................................................................ 11

Public Sector Employees..................................................................................................................... 11

Water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure (EC 5)............................................................................. 11

Clean Water: Centralized Wastewater Collection and Conveyance................................................... 11

Clean Water: Stormwater................................................................................................................... 11

Drinking water: Transmission & Distribution...................................................................................... 12

Drinking water: Storage ...................................................................................................................... 12

Drinking water: Other water infrastructure ....................................................................................... 12

Broadband: Other projects................................................................................................................. 12

Revenue Replacement (EC 6) ................................................................................................................. 12

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category ....................................................................................... 13

Project Inventory ............................................................................................................................... 13

Performance Metrics.......................................................................................................................... 13
USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 3

Executive Summary 

The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) like many other states, territories, and jurisdictions has found 

itself in an unprecedented time of uncertainty that has had an impact on the health and wellbeing of our 

residents as well as our economy. In line with the intended uses, the USVI plans to utilize its Coronavirus 

(CSFRF) through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to continue to deliver an effective public health 

response to the COVID-19 pandemic including testing and contact tracing, improvements to the physical 

and technical infrastructure of our public buildings and government agencies to ensure continued 

operations while mitigating spread of the virus, as well as to increase the vaccination of the territory’s 

residents. 

Even as the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) has done an excellent job of balancing the safety of 

Virgin Islanders while still having a functioning economy, it has seen a significant impact to the 

territories revenues. Revenue loss replacement funds from the ARPA will provide crucial funding to

maintaining a high level of productivity and service to the community as well as funding for the most 

impacted industries such as tourism, our primary economic driver. There is a significant allocation of 

funds earmarked for infrastructure improvements that will have an impact in many of our communities 

that currently have limited to no access to water through the territories public utility system, relying on 

housing cisterns that become inoperable during often re-occurring power outages. Through the use of 

these funds, the USVI hopes to increase its public water accessibility footprint as well as make significant 

improvements to the territory’s drainage and sewer infrastructure.

Overall, the USVI intends to funds through the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund to improve the 

physical and emotional wellbeing of its residents especially those suffering from the compounded effects 

of the pandemic. The plan is still in the development stages but thus far contains a multipronged approach 

to accomplishing the following:

• Create economically stable households through affordable housing development, subsidized 

housing programs, workforce development, increased employment and targeted economic 

support programs

• Increase the safety of USVI residents by mitigating the threat of COVID-19, reducing crime and 

increasing the conviction of violent crimes within the territory

• Provide educational, economical and emotional support of children, adolescents and other 

vulnerable populations

• Improve the quality of life for all US Virgin Islanders

This list is not all-inclusive but provides a foundation on which the USVI can continue to build. 

The chart below depicts the currently planned budget across the major expenditure categories. Appendix A

contains a breakdown of these budgets across the sub-categories. The GVI is continuing to evaluate and 

determine priorities while trying to activate critical projects as soon as possible. 
USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 4

The USVI has received $532M through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program 

as established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Thus far, as a territory of the United States the 

USVI has received $515,344,070 under the State Allocation and an additional $10,333,962 which 

represents 50% of the County Allocation for St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.

Currently, the GVI through the Office of Management and Budget is in receipt of $531,260,477 through 

the ARPA. These funds consist of:

• $515,344,070 for the territory allocation under the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund 

(CSFRF)

• $10,333,962 - 50% of the county allocations under the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds 

(CLFRF)

• $5,582,445 – 50% of the Non-Entitlement Unit (NEU) allocation. 

The USVI is diligently working to ensure its eligibility to spend the $20,667,924.00 of CLFRF county 

allocation and the $11,164,890.00 for the NEU allocation and is awaiting further guidance from the 

Department of Treasury. 

Community Engagement 

The GVI recognizes that community engagement and input is critical for the successful implementation 

and utilization of these funds. Currently the community has been engaged in all COVID-19 programming 

through regularly scheduled discussion on the Governor' monthly Press Box, streamed live on both social 

media setting and on the official Office of the Governor's website; allowing community questions and 

comments. With radio being a main means of communication and information for the USVI, members of 

the Governor's Cabinet have actively participating in radio talk shows fielding calls and answering 

questions from the public providing another avenue for community engagement. 

Additionally, a transparency website is currently under development to provide detailed spending for all 

aspects of ARPA funds, including non-CSFRF funds. The website will provide an opportunity for 

1: Public

Health

2: Negative

Economic

Impacts

3: Services to

Disproportion

ately

Impacted

Communities

4: Premium

Pay

5:

Infrastructure

6: Revenue

Replacement

7:

Administrative

Total Budgeted $56,500,000.00 $21,167,070.00 $33,750,000.00 $40,000,000.00 $198,927,000.0 $165,000,000.0 $0.00

$0.00

$50,000,000.00

$100,000,000.00

$150,000,000.00

$200,000,000.00

$250,000,000.00
USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 5

residents to not only view information but also to share suggestions and comments. Polls and surveys will 

be utilized through the website and social media pages. 

Lastly, as programs and projects continue to be developed the GVI is identifying opportunities to partner 

with community organizations to leverage their expertise and programs to target and support vulnerable 

and diverse populations based on identified priorities. 

Uses of Funds 

Public Health (EC 1) 

Total Budgeted: $56,500,000

The U.S. Virgin Islands has only two hospitals providing care to the general public. Both hospitals were 

devastated in September 2017 by Hurricanes Irma and Maria which impacted the territory withing two 

weeks of each other. Both the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Schneider Regional Medical Center 

sustained significant structural damage. The Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital has been deemed irreparable 

by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a temporary modular hospital is currently under 

construction. As a result, the physical capacity to treat COVID-positive patients requiring acute care is 

severely limited. The geographical isolation of the Virgin Islands also limits access to additional clinical 

personnel to augment and supplement the existing medical staff. A surge of active cases, like the one 

currently being experienced as a result of the Delta variant, can quickly cause the public health response 

in the U.S. Virgin Islands to exceed its physical and human resource capacity. 

Vaccination Programs

The primary focus of the U.S. Virgin Islands public health response is increasing the COVID-19 

vaccination rates in the territory. The targeted goal of our effort is to vaccinate at least 50% of our total 

population. As of Friday, August 27, 2021, 41,784 individuals had been fully vaccinated in the U.S. 

Virgin Islands. This is 46.7% of the eligible population of individuals 12 years of age or older and 

approximately 39.9% of the total population.

To boost our vaccination rates, the U.S. Virgin Islands has promoted a series of financial incentives in the 

form of vaccine lotteries. These lotteries have included cash drawings for the general population of 

vaccinated individuals, as well as special targeted drawings for school-based personnel, healthcare and

allied health care workers, law enforcement officers, and children ages 12-17.

Our recovery plan currently includes $7 million for Vaccination Programs.

COVID-19 Testing

Convenient access to testing and the timely processing of results has been the key to The U.S. Virgin 

Islands is currently contemplating a policy of mandatory weekly testing for unvaccinated public sector 

employees in certain agencies. Appendix B provides an overview of our COVID-19 demographical data. 

Our recovery plan includes $2 million to support COVID-19 Testing and another $250,000 for public 

health surveillance.

COVID-19 Contact Tracing

The U.S. Virgin Islands has benefitted from a relationship with the CDC Foundation to conduct contact 

tracing in the territory. The recovery plan includes $2 million to extend that contractual relationship.
USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 6

Prevention in Congregate Settings

Like most other jurisdictions, the U.S. Virgin Islands has experienced unfortunate outbreaks of infection 

in nursing homes, schools, and within our jail complex. The recovery plan includes $2 million for 

prevention and mitigation of viral spread in congregate living facilities and other key settings.

Personal Protective Equipment

The recovery plan includes $2 million to fund the purchase of personal protective equipment.

Medical Expenses

The cost of treatment for COVID-19 patients can be extremely burdensome for our public hospitals. The 

recovery plan includes $6 million for medical care expenses. The plan also includes $1 million for 

enhancing healthcare capacity. Specifically, the territory is targeting additional dialysis services on the 

island of St. Croix to mitigate against another COVID-related shutdown of the sole dialysis provider on 

the island. 

Capital Investments or Physical Plant Changes to Public Facilities

The public hospitals have had to make considerable alterations to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 

infections. Several government agencies have also had to make physical alterations to accommodate 

employees and clients safely. The recovery plan includes $1 million for physical plant improvements and 

another $ 1 million for ventilation improvements in key locations.

Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses (including Communications, Enforcement, Isolation/

Quarantine)

The recovery plan includes $1 million to support the costs for the isolation or quarantine of individuals 

who are unable to quarantine safely at home or are visitors to the territory. 

Through Executive Order, the Governor has deputized a multi-agency task force of law enforcement 

officers to enforce the COVID-related public health orders. The plan includes another $2 million to 

support the expenses of the COVID task force. 

The plan also includes $1 million to support continued dissemination of public health information. 

Payroll Costs for Public Health, Safety, and Other Public Sector Staff 

The recovery plan includes $20 million in funding for government agencies to offset the cost of payroll 

expenses for responding to the pandemic.

Mental Health Services

The recovery plan includes $1 million for community-based mental health programs. It includes $500,000 

for school-based social-emotional support and other mental health services. It also includes $500,000 for 

referrals to trauma recovery services for crime victims.

Substance Use Services

The recovery plan includes $500,000 for substance abuse programs.

Other Public Health Services

The Virgin Islands is currently developing a Health Information Exchange for its medical service 

providers. The recovery plan includes $5 million for the associated technology infrastructure. The plan 
USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 7

also includes $1 million for public health data systems. Finally, $250,000 is included for support of 

monitoring case trends and genomic sequencing for variants.

Negative Economic Impacts (EC 2) 

Total Budgeted: $21,167,070

The U.S. Virgin Islands’ tourism industry is still recovering from back-to-back hurricanes Irma and 

Maria, which affected the territory in 2017. The aftermath of these hurricanes coupled with the 

coronavirus leaves the U.S. Virgin Islands challenged in meeting the needs of its residents and businesses 

during this economic downturn.

Household Assistance: Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Aid

Access to utilities such as water and electricity coincide directly with adequate housing and shelter. 

Healthy living conditions, which include access to utilities (water, heat, electricity, etc.), directly impact 

health and equity. Those having trouble paying utility bills are at risk for poor living conditions and are 

more than likely experiencing psychological stress to keep the power on. 

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average residential electric rate in the 

United States as of June 2021 was 13.85 cents per kilowatt-hour. The current residential rate in the U.S. 

Virgin Islands is 42.65 cents per kilowatt-hour. That is more than three times the national average and a 

considerable portion of household expenses for the typical family. The recovery plan includes $5 million 

for utility assistance.

Household Assistance: Internet Access Programs

The recovery plan includes $250,000 for digital literacy training to help residents learn to navigate digital 

access to public services. Literacy plays a large role in people accessing services daily. Without the 

knowledge to navigate certain systems, people may avoid attempting to utilize the system or fail in using 

it. There are many roadblocks to people learning new skills, especially later in life, and with an older 

demographic in the USVI, digital literacy is low. Avoidance of learning digital tools will lead to 

individuals not receiving the services and care they need to live equitable lives.

Household Assistance: Eviction Prevention

The recovery plan includes $250,000 for counseling and legal aid to prevent eviction or 

homelessness. 

The coronavirus pandemic has made many tenants face the threat of eviction with rising housing prices 

and higher rates of unemployment. According to the ACLU, 90% percent of landlords are represented by 

legal counsel while only 10% have legal representation. Additionally, one case of eviction on your record 

may prevent you from successfully being able to rent again in the future. The ACLU goes on to explain 

that when New York residents were given representation during their attempted eviction, 86% were able 

to remain in their homes.

Job Training Assistance 

Income and employment are direct drivers of the quality of life for all people. The creation of skillbuilding and learning opportunities for employment can be invaluable for those who cannot afford a 

traditional education to gain the skills needed for employment. In addition to insufficient funds to pay for 

training, childcare is an additional cost to the process of receiving training. With assistance to provide 
USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 8

training and childcare, individuals will be eligible for employment, thus increasing their quality of life. 

Previously incarcerated individuals also have a difficult time gaining employment from the skills 

perspective, as well. Offering programs that can assist them in gaining new skills to become employed 

will help them in quality of life as well as reducing their likelihood to engage in crime again.

In addition to the Covid-related job losses and displacement, Limetree Bay Refining, LLC on the island 

of St. Croix announced its closure in July 2021. The Limetree Bay refinery was the largest private 

employer in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The recovery plan earmarks $2 million for subsidized employment programs. It includes $2 million for 

apprenticeships, skills development, and workforce training. It includes $500,000 for childcare assistance 

for unemployed individuals pursuing job training assistance. There is also $500,000 for training programs 

for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality

The hospitality industry endured two periods of closure in 2020 as a result of Executive Orders issued by 

the Governor in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first closure was between March 23rd and 

June 1st. The second closure was between August 19th and September 19th. During these closures, hotels 

and similar properties were prohibited from booking guests that had travelled to the territory for leisure 

purposes. This had the effect of severely reducing visitor arrivals to the territory. 

Additionally, the Virgin Islands went more than 15 months without a cruise ship visit. Since the relaxing 

of the “No Sail” order by the Centers for Disease Control, ship arrivals have been sporadic. Prior to the 

COVID-19 pandemic, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas was the Caribbean's most popular cruise port, with 

as many as six ships docked in a single day.

This has been a major driver to the territories increased unemployment rates depicted in the graph below. 

Jobs and economic stability for the USVI are crucial to the maintaining the territory’s population as well 

as revitalization during and after the pandemic. The recovery plan includes $10 million for aid to the 

travel, tourism, and hospitality industry.
USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 9

Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities (EC 3) 

Total Budgeted: $33,750,000

The U.S. Virgin Islands population primarily consists of persons who are predominantly of African

descent, i.e., Black, West Indian or African-American. Most recent estimates from the 2014 Virgin 

Islands Community Survey characterize the population as 77% Black (African American or African 

Caribbean), 10.5% White, and 12.4% Other Races with 17% of the population reporting Hispanic origins.

Poverty rates in the Virgin Islands are high compared to rates in the US. The 2010 U.S. Census reported 

that 22% of the U.S. Virgin Islands population lived below the poverty line. However, this data fails to 

account for the catastrophic impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. It is likely that the poverty rate 

has risen since the hurricanes and will continue to rise due to the economic impacts from the pandemic. 

According to the U.S. Virgin Island’s 2019 Kids Count Data Book, 30% of children in the territory live in 

families below the poverty level.

Healthy Childhood Environments: Home Visiting

The recovery plan includes $1 million for the temporary expansion of the existing Virgin Islands 

Department of Health – Division of Maternal and Child Health’s home visitation program for infants.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, there are many benefits of investing in home 

visiting including, but not limited to: reduced incidence of child abuse and neglect, improved birth 

outcomes, and improved education outcomes for both the child and mother. There is evidence from costanalysis studies supporting up to $5.70 return on investment from home visits due to the reduction in need 

for child protection, education enrollment retention, and reduced criminal justice expenses. Childhood 

health plays a large role in equity for both the mother/family and the child as it ages. A reduction of 

psychological distress, reduction in healthcare costs from avoidable complications, and higher probability 

of educational attainment are all factors affecting equity.

76%

15.50%

1.40%

4% 2%

2010 Census Race Demographics

Black White Asian Other Mixed

17.80%

82.20%

2010 Census Ethnicity

Hispanic/Latino Not Hispanic/Latino
USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 10

Healthy Childhood Environments: Services to Foster Youth or Families

The recovery plan includes $1 million for additional support to the Virgin Islands Department of Human

Services – Division of Children, Youth, and Families for enhanced services for youth requiring foster 

care.

Housing Support: Affordable Housing

The cost of home construction in the territory is extremely high due in part to the geographic isolation of 

the Virgin Islands and to the considerable requirements of the local building code. This situation has been 

exasperated by the inflationary pressures resulting from the construction boom in the aftermath of 

Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

The recovery plan includes $10 million to assist the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority in 

offsetting the pre-development expenses of affordable housing construction and offering programs to 

assist individuals pursuing first-time homeownership.

Research has found that there is a positive correlation between stable housing and homeownership with 

higher self-reported well-being and health. Perceived or real increased well-being can make significant 

impacts on health, including mental health, education attainment, and employment. A reduction in 

economic distress and increase in safety and security result in better health, equity, and health equity. 

Housing Support: Services for Unhoused Persons

Providing housing promotes health through shelter from the elements, reduced crime and incarceration, 

and often a reduction in drug use, all of which impact costs associated with criminal justice and 

healthcare. According to a literature review from Health Affairs, stable housing can reduce healthcare 

costs through a reduction in Medicaid expenditures and emergency room visits. Having access to 

consistent shelter also results in a reduction in psychological distress and intimate partner violence. The 

USVI intends to provide supportive housing and other services for individuals experiencing homelessness 

utilizing $5,000,000 of ARPA funding

Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance

The devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria resulted in a lost of housing units across the Territory. 

Fifty-two percent of all housing stock was damaged (12 percent damaged severely); renters and low- and 

moderate-income households were disproportionately affected. The significant lost of hotel rooms as a 

result of the hurricanes has also seen many housing units converted to short-term rentals by the property 

owners. The result has been considerable escalation on rental costs throughout the Territory.

The recovery plan includes $8 million for supplemental housing vouchers for qualified renters.

Community Violence Interventions

In calendar year 2020, the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) reported one hundred and twentynine (129) shooting incidents, with forty-nine (49) homicides and the seizure of one hundred and seventyone (171) unlicensed, illegal firearms. In a population of $105,000 people, these statistics are concerning; 

per capita, they rival or surpass the crime rate of major cities on the continental United States. Of further 

concern is the occurrence of gun violence and shoot-outs in populated areas, including those frequented 

by children—beaches, day care centers, restaurants and shopping centers during morning, afternoon and 

evening hours. Within our community, there is an ever-present fear that innocents may become entangled 
USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 11

in a shoot-out while going about daily life. This activity also serves to undermine our fragile tourismdependent economy.

The judicial branch of government has not held jury trials since March 2020 and is now experiencing a 

significant backlog of cases. The recovery plan includes $1 million to address Covid-related court 

backlogs. There is at least $2 million for the hiring of law enforcement officials and the paying of 

overtime. There is $1 million earmarked to fund the newly created Office of Gun Violence Prevention 

which will deploy a community violence intervention strategy. There is a $1 million to fund the 

prosecution of gun crimes and $1 million to address federal-territorial initiatives. Finally, there is $2 

million for technology improvements such as expansion of the ShotSpotter network and the installation of 

surveillance cameras.

Premium Pay (EC 4) 

Total Budgeted: $40,000,000

Public Sector Employees

According to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage in the U.S. 

Virgin Islands in 2020 was $47,960 across all occupations. The U.S. Virgin Islands is currently 

developing a retroactive premium pay program for public sector workers that were deemed essential and 

unable to telework during the first 12 months of the local declaration of a Public Health State of 

Emergency. The recovery plan earmarks $40 million for this purpose.

Water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure (EC 5) 

Total Budgeted: $33,750,000

The U.S. Virgin Islands has built an extensive public infrastructure for water, sewer, and broadband 

services in the territory. The failure to expand these systems, however, has left many areas unserved or 

underserved. The Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund provides a much-needed opportunity for the 

U.S. Virgin Islands to make investments in the expansion of its public infrastructure and increase the 

standard of living in the territory.

Clean Water: Centralized Wastewater Collection and Conveyance

The U.S. Virgin Islands maintains a separate public sewer system on each of the main populated islands 

of St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas. On each island, wastewater is collected through sanitary sewers 

from homes and businesses and delivered to a centralized treatment plant for processing. This centralized 

system depends on pump stations and force mains to move wastewater from the collection point to the 

treatment plant. When the pumps fail, raw sewage is usually pumped untreated into the oceans off the 

coast of the affected island. Proper upkeep of these systems is essential for maintaining the pristine 

marine environment that is a critical part of the tourism economy within the territory.

The recovery plan includes $49 million for the upgrade of pumps stations, the relocation of force mains, 

and the rehabilitation of sewer lines.

Clean Water: Stormwater

The recovery plan anticipates $30 million for the modernization of stormwater systems in four main 

historic towns and drainage projects in three additional neighborhoods.
USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 12

Drinking water: Transmission & Distribution

Within the U.S. Virgin Islands, a significant portion of the population still lives in areas without access to 

a potable water distribution system. For these areas, rainwater collection is the primary source of water 

for household use. Unfortunately, most private rainwater collection systems fail to meet the minimal 

drinking water standards. As a result, individuals residing in these areas either purchase their drinking 

water separately or risk their health by consuming water not fit for human consumption.

Our recovery plan proposes $58.2 million for waterline expansion to unserved areas and another $9.7 

million for rehabilitation of existing waterlines that are past their useful life. 

Drinking water: Storage

The recovery plan includes $28 million for the rehabilitation of existing storage tanks and the 

construction of new storage capacity to facilitate system expansion. 

Drinking water: Other water infrastructure

The recovery plan includes $4,027,000 for pump station upgrades and the installation of booster pumps to 

improve water pressure in some areas of the distribution system. 

Broadband: Other projects

The Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (viNGN) is a public corporation that leads the efforts of the 

Government of the Virgin Islands as it relates to broadband capacity and accessibility. The creation of 

viNGN was primarily funded by grants from the Department of Commerce with a charter to provide 

wholesale broadband middle mile service to internet service providers and to promote local economic 

growth, innovation and global competitiveness. viNGN has built a 100% fiber optic telecommunications 

network that interconnects St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas and Water Island, and then connects the U.S. 

Virgin Islands to the world. 

However, the sole internet service provider that delivers wireline connections to homes and businesses in 

the territory does so through a hybrid fiber-coaxial network. The final service connection is done through 

coaxial cable. This ISP currently has advertised rates for 25 Mbps download speed and 5Mbps of upload 

speed at $79.95 per month and 100 Mbps of download speed and 10 Mbps of upload speed at $149.99 per 

month. This is far above the national average for these benchmark internet plans.

The recovery plan includes $20 million of funding to support viNGN’s efforts to engage with the ISP 

partners that utilize its middle mile network to reduce “last mile” costs, reliability, and accessibility to 

households and businesses in the territory. 

Revenue Replacement (EC 6) 

Total Budgeted: $165,000,000

The USVI like many other jurisdictions has seen a revenue shortfall since the inception of COVID, 

primarily due to the reduction of our tourism as well as the closure of businesses, many of which have yet 

to resume. The following figures were used to calculate the expected revenue loss for Fiscal Year 2020 –

October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. As 4.1% was higher than the territories annual growth for the last 

3 years, it was used as the growth factor for this calculation. 

Base Year Revenue (Fiscal Year 2019 Revenue) = $934,989,024
USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 13

Growth Rate = 4.1%

N = 15 (October 2019 to December 2020)

Actual General Revenue (Calendar Year 2020) = $892,317,463

Using the figures above and the provided revenue loss formula, it was determined that the USVI is 

eligible for $90,832,856 for Fiscal Year 2020. 

Over the next 5 years $165,000,000 has been earmarked to address revenue loss while understanding that 

actual revenue loss will have to be calculated every year based on actual revenues. 

Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category 

Category

Cumulative

expenditures to 

date ($)

Amount spent 

since last 

Recovery Plan

1 Expenditure Category: Public Health $2,010,000 $2,010,000

1.1 COVID-19 Vaccination $2,010,000 $2,010,000

 

Project Inventory 

Project [ARPA – 1.1- 001]: [USVI Vax to Win]

Funding amount: $2,010,000 (Spent to Date)

Project Expenditure Category: [1.1, Covid 19 Vaccination]

Project Overview

Currently, GVI has an ongoing vaccination incentive program. Coined Vax to Win USVI is a territorywide multimedia, public outreach campaign created to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates by 

incentivizing residents through various means including lotteries, special drawings, and various reward 

programs. The goal is to reach community immunity – at least 70% of the eligible population vaccinated. 

Weekly lottery drawings are held to reward inoculated persons in each of the territory's district. Winners 

are publicly announced at the Governor's weekly press briefing and posted on social media and in the 

local news.

Performance Metrics

Number of residents fully vaccinated: 41,784

Percent of residents vaccinated: 39.9%

Ineligible Activities: Tax Offset Provision (States and territories only) 

Item Amount

a. Revenue-reducing Covered Changes $0
Appendix A
Expenditure Categories Total Budgeted

1: Public Health $56,500,000.00

1.1     COVID‐19 Vaccination ^ $7,000,000.00

1.2     COVID‐19 Testing ^ $2,000,000.00

1.3     COVID‐19 Contact Tracing $2,000,000.00

1.4     Prevention in Congregate Settings (Nursing Homes, Prisons/Jails, Dense Work Sites, Schools, etc.)* $2,000,000.00

1.5     Personal Protective Equipment $2,000,000.00

1.6     Medical Expenses (including Alternative Care Facilities) $7,000,000.00

1.7     Capital Investments or Physical Plant Changes to Public Facilities that respond to the COVID‐19 public health emergency $2,000,000.00

1.8     Other COVID‐19 Public Health Expenses (including Communications, Enforcement, Isolation/Quarantine) $4,000,000.00

1.9     Payroll Costs for Public Health, Safety, and Other Public Sector Staff Responding to COVID‐19 $20,000,000.00

1.10   Mental Health Services* $1,500,000.00

1.11   Substance Use Services* $500,000.00

1.12   Other Public Health Services $6,500,000.00

2: Negative Economic Impacts $21,167,070.00

2.2     Household Assistance: Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Aid*  ^ $5,000,000.00

2.4     Household Assistance: Internet Access Programs*  ^ $250,000.00

2.5     Household Assistance: Eviction Prevention*  ^ $250,000.00

2.7     Job Training Assistance (e.g., Sectoral job‐training, Subsidized Employment, Employment Supports or Incentives)*  ^ $5,000,000.00

2.9     Small Business Economic Assistance (General)*  ^ $167,070.00

2.11   Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality $10,000,000.00

2.13   Other Economic Support*  ^ $500,000.00

3: Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities $33,750,000.00

3.7     Healthy Childhood Environments: Home Visiting*  ^ $1,000,000.00

3.8      Environments: Services to Foster Youth or Families Involved in Welfare System*  ^ $1,000,000.00

3.10   Housing Support: Affordable Housing*   ^ $10,000,000.00

3.11   Housing Support: Services for Unhoused Persons*  ^ $5,000,000.00

3.12   Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance*  ^ $8,000,000.00

3.16   Social Determinants of Health: Community Violence Interventions*   ^ $8,750,000.00

4: Premium Pay $40,000,000.00

4.1     Public Sector Employees $40,000,000.00

5: Infrastructure $198,927,000.00

5.2     Clean Water: Centralized Wastewater Collection and Conveyance $49,000,000.00

5.6     Clean Water: Stormwater $30,000,000.00

5.11   Drinking water: Transmission & Distribution $67,900,000.00

5.14   Drinking water: Storage $28,000,000.00

5.15   Drinking water: Other water infrastructure $4,027,000.00

5.17   Broadband: Other projects $20,000,000.00

6: Revenue Replacement $165,000,000.00

6.1     Provision of Government Services $165,000,000.00
Appendix B




* 

29-Aug

129  3%

3%

4%

5%

31596 total calls 5%

58 average per day

Males Females

Confirmed cases

 2250 38%

 1627 28%

 542 9%

1719 29%

 *Subjective fever or measured temp ≥100.4°F 

7 day percent positivity:

Test result by age group

27-Aug Change since 27-Aug Median age among cases = 37 years Tested positive

Unknown n = 166

Active 285 269  16 Cough

Test result among males and females

Tested positive Tested negative

Current status of USVI positive cases

Positive test result by age group over time

March 5, 2020 -Aug 29, 2021

Calls volume to the hotline

Unknown n = 6

120 9

Calls completed from

Recovered 5526 5526  Fever*

1

0

Shortness of breath

2.58%

616 611 5

29-Aug 27-Aug Change

Fatality 54 53 

Rate of Positive Tests in the U.S. Virgin Islands Over Time

VIDOH COVID-19 Response Report date: August 30, 2021

Contact Numbers: Hotline Testing Summary

29-Aug Change since 27-Aug

Total Tests 165824 164909

5848 Positive

Informational Hotline (non-medical 8am-8pm)

Hosted by VITEMA: 340-715-6843

Potential PUIs only 8am-10pm

STX: (340) 712-6299 

STT/STJ: (340) 776-1519

Negative

915

16

159061 899

Positive Tests

Negative Tests

5864

159960

* this number revised to reflect removal of laboratory test results 

that are not polymerase chain reaction (pcr) or antigen tests

27-Aug

USVI risk factors for transmission Clinical symptoms of 

positives

Close contact 2695 2686 9

Travel 214 213 1

Under investigation 704 705 1 Asymptomatic

Unknown

29-Aug 27-Aug Change n %

Community transmission 1635 1633 2

n = 3026

n = 2672

n = 5864

n = 159960

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

03/05/20 05/04/20 07/03/20 09/01/20 10/31/20 12/30/20 02/28/21 04/29/21 06/28/21 08/27/21

0-17 18-29 30-49 50-64 65+

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

7-day Positivity

Daily Tests

Tests Positive Positivity Rate

0-17

18-29

30-49

50-64

65+

Negative Positive

n = 58244

n = 48422
Active

Positive Recovered  0

Negative* Fatality  5

 0

1

 3

Active

Positive Recovered  2

Negative* Fatality  4

 1

 0

 2

Active

Positive Recovered  0

Negative* Fatality  0

 0

 0

 0

84146

2206 2199

29-Aug 27-Aug Change

83615

* There are 1059 negative lab results with Unknown Jurisdiction.



 9

67

313 313

29-Aug 27-Aug Change

Confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. Virgin Islands, N=5864

St. John

29-Aug 27-Aug Change

St. Thomas & Water Island STT positive status

STX risk factors

108 Change

2081

 17

 7

531

St. Croix

1118

STX positive status

Travel 110

Under investigation 245

Unknown 213

STT risk factors

Community 520

Close contact

 297

7881 7814

3345 3336

66874 66577

 0

2

Change

Change

STJ positive status

144

378

Close contact

Travel

Unknown 25

144

Community

103

1012

1433

84

438

Travel

Under investigation

20

21

Unknown

Close contact

Community

STJ risk factors

20

21

25

29-Aug 27-Aug

29-Aug 27-Aug

29-Aug 27-Aug

103

520

1113

110

246

210

1010

1429

83

438

376

Under investigation

3150

35

16

295

161

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

03/05/2020 06/13/2020 09/21/2020 12/30/2020 04/09/2021 07/18/2021

STX STT STJ

Illnesses that started 

during this time may not 

yet be reported