The Board of Governors of the Virgin Islands Port Authority approved the concept for a new terminal building at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix, as presented by VIports Partners. VIports also presented its concept for the Cyril E. King Airport Terminal in St. Thomas, which includes renovation of the existing terminal within its current footprint and expansion of the second floor for passenger use. The presentation of the proposed concepts was made during the VIPA Board Committee of the Whole meeting on June 27, 2024.
Presentation of the proposed terminal design concepts will occur during community meetings that will be held in St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John during the upcoming months.
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe stated, "The decision made by the Port Authority Board today marks a significant advancement in our collaboration with VIports Partners to establish top-tier airport infrastructure for the U.S. Virgin Islands. This pivotal step is part of the ongoing transitional phase. We are committed to maintaining transparency with the public as we collectively strive towards the objective of constructing world-class airport terminals that this territory can be proud of."
“We are very pleased to have worked collaboratively with the Virgin Islands Port Authority to advance designs of these two critical airports – each with its own unique sense of place - and look forward to meeting with community members in the coming months,” said Steve Nackan, President, Aecon Concessions, a shareholder of VIports Partners.
In March 2024, VIPA’s Board selected VIports Partners via a competitive bidding process to join with the Port Authority in a Public-Private Partnership (P3) to improve the USVI’s airport terminals. The project is currently in a transition phase that involves substantial work between VIPA and VIports. This phase includes design, construction and permitting; employee transition; airline engagement; financial and commercial business activities; operations and maintenance; legal and project documents; regulatory matters; and stakeholder communication and outreach. This process will facilitate the development of design plans that best reflect the unique needs of both airports. Financial close is expected by the first quarter of 2025.
Board members attending today’s meeting were Chairman Willard John, Vice Chairman Derek Gabriel, Board Secretary Kevin Rodriquez, Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, Attorney General Nominee Gordon Rhea, Esq., Celestino A. White Sr., and Leona Smith.
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About the Virgin Islands Port Authority
The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) is an autonomous, self-sustaining government agency established in 1969 as the owner and manager of the United States Virgin Islands’ airports and seaports. VIPA operates 14 seaport facilities, two airports, and surrounding properties. It is a critical arm of the USVI’s economy that facilitates travel and commerce and fosters tourism and economic growth via its port activities. VIPA’s mandate is to develop and maintain the USVI ports to accommodate our users' current and future demands and to provide safe port facilities. Learn more about VIPA at www.viport.com, and follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
About VIports Partners
VIports is comprised of Aecon as the developer and lead constructor, local construction partner J. Benton Construction, operations and maintenance partner Avports, and equity partner Tikehau Star Infra. Together, the VIports team will deliver world-class airports through the redevelopments of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix and Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas by combining global expertise with local partnership.
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