DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & NATURAL RESOURCES FY 2020 BUDGET PRESENTATION - Legislature of the ...
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DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & NATURAL RESOURCES
FY 2020 BUDGET PRESENTATION
JEAN-PIERRE L. ORIOL
COMMISSIONERPlanning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction …………………..…………………………………………………………….. 3
Departmental Budget Overview ………………………………………..……………… 4
Budget Breakdown by Division ………………..….……………………………………. 10
Closing ……………………………………………………………………….……………….. 17
Appendix: FY 2019 Accomplishments ……………………………………………..… 18Planning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 3
INTRODUCTION
Good morning Honorable Kurt Vialet, Chairman of the 33rd Legislature’s Committee on Finance, members
of the Committee, other members of the 33rd Legislature present, legislative staff, and to the public
listening and viewing over various forms of media. I am Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner of the
Department of Planning and Natural Resources (“DPNR” or “Department”), and I have here with me, Ms.
Dianne O’Garro, Director of Business Administrative Services and Ms. Tasida Kelch, Director of the Virgin
Islands Council of the Arts. I am before you today to present testimony in support of the Department’s
recommended fiscal year 2020 budget.
DPNR was established by Title 3 V.I.C. § 400(a) to administer and enforce all laws pertaining to: fish and
wildlife; trees and vegetation; water resources, including the protection of safe drinking water; air and
water pollution; flood control; preservation of mineral and other natural resources; preservation of the
archaeological, architectural, cultural and historical heritage of the United States Virgin Islands, including
public museums; pesticide control; coastal lands and off-shore islands and cays; mooring and anchoring
of vessels within the territorial waters; earth change permits; and zoning. The enforcement powers of the
department are codified under Title 12 V.I.C., as well as Title 29 V.I.C.
The Department is comprised of the following Divisions: 1) Business and Administrative Services (DBAS);
2) Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning (CCZP); 3) Coastal Zone Management (CZM); 4)
Environmental Enforcement (DEE); 5) Environmental Protection (DEP); 6) the Executive Office; 7) Fish
and Wildlife; 8) Libraries, Archives and Museums (DLAM); 9) Permits; 10) the State Historic Preservation
Office (SHPO); and 11) the Virgin Council on the Arts. Immediately below, detail on the overall budget for
the Department is provided; followed by the breakdown of the budget by Division.Planning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 4
DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET OVERVIEW
The Department has a total FY’20 recommended budget of $33,421,303, which is comprised of a General
Fund anticipated appropriation of $8,948,589 (27%), contributions from Non-Appropriated Local Funds
of $3,899,947 (12%), and federal assistance from grantor agencies of $20,572,767 (62%). The
$33,421,303 is distributed among the following categories: Personnel in the amount of $10,027,977
(30%), Fringe Benefits in the amount of $4,151,934 (12%), Supplies in the amount of $913,731 (3%),
Other Services and Charges in the amount of $15,197,137 (45%), Utilities in the amount of $601,965 (2%),
Capital Outlay in the amount of $1,056,000 (3%), and Indirect Cost in the amount of $1,472,559 (4%).
Funding Sources
$3,899,947
$8,948,589
$20,572,767
General Federal Non-Appropriated
General Fund Request
The FY’20 General Fund anticipated appropriation of $8,948,589 for the Department’s operations is a 2%
increase, or $200,482, over the FY’19 appropriation of $8,748,107. The FY 2020 request includes
$5,389,078 for Personnel and Fringe Benefits; $269,070 for Supplies; $405,614 for Utilities; $1,000,000 in
Capital Outlay; and $1,884,827 for Other Services and Charges.
FY’19 Anticipated FY’20 Increase/Reduction
Appropriation
Personnel $3,709,185.00 $3,794,704.00 $85,519.00
Fringe Benefits $1,773,352.00 $1,594,374.00 ($178,978.00)
Sub-total $5,482,537.00 $5,389,078.00 ($91,459.00)
Supplies $247,755.00 $269,070.00 $21,315.00
Other Services & Charges $1,493,738.00 $1,884,827.00 $391,089.00Planning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 5
Utilities $0.00 405,614.00 $405,614.00
Capital Outlay $1,524,077.00 $1,000,000 .00 ($524,077.00)
Sub-total $3,265,570.00 $3,559,511.00 293,941.00
Totals $8,748,107.00 $8,948,589.00 $200,482.00
Detail by Category
Below is a brief description of the requested General Fund Budget by Category:
Staffing: The General Fund request of $5,389,078 (60.22%) for Personnel Services will cover the salaries
and associated fringe benefits costs for 83.55 positions, of which 19.42 ($1,701,692) are Exempt positions,
and 64.13 ($3,687,386) are Classified. I would like to note that these personnel costs reflect the
implementation of the collective bargaining agreements executed in early FY 2019.
Supplies: $269,070 (3.01%) is being requested from the General Fund for supplies such as office supplies,
operating supplies (i.e. fuel, drinking water, etc.), small office equipment, and professional books and
periodicals.
Other Services & Charges: $1,884,827 or (21.06%) is being requested from the General Fund for Other
Services & Charges. These funds will support costs for professional services to include communication,
travel, repair and maintenance, and office rental, just to name a few. In addition, the requested funding
will provide the match requirement for the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts in the amount of $375,000,
as well as $400,000 for the Tutu Wells Litigation Site. A more detailed breakdown of expenses is available
for your review in the table below.
Other Services & Charges Allocation
Professional Services $418,659
Tutu Wells Litigation Site $400,000
VI Council on the Arts Matching Funds $ 375,000
Communications $ 240,094
Travel $ 51,734
Automotive Repair and Maintenance $ 11,000
Repairs & Maintenance $ 94,192
Rental of Land & Building $ 230,235
Security Services $ 30,413
Printing & Binding $ 1,000Planning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 6
Bulk Airline Tickets $ 2,500
Bookmobile Insurance $ 20,000
Other Services NOC $ 10,000
Total Other Services: $1,884,827
Utilities: $405,614 (4.53)% is being requested to cover the cost of utilities; $342,614 will pay for
electrical expenses and $63,000 will pay for water.
General Fund Allocation by Division
The Department consists of eleven (11) divisions, of which the General Fund contributes to nine, with
the remaining two divisions (CZM and DFW) funded by federal grants and/or other non-
appropriated local funds. The following table indicates the recommended allocation of the General
Fund for these divisions.
Allocation of General Fund by Divisions
Divisions Allocation Percentage
Executive Office $1,502,400.00 17%
Business and Administrative Services $1,165,941.00 13%
Environmental Enforcement $ 14,229.00 1%
Permits $1,258,989.00 14%
Libraries, Archives & Museums $2,294,310.00 26%
Historic Preservation $ 152,248.00 2%
Environmental Protection $2,085,472.00 23%
Virgin Islands Council on the Arts $ 375,000.00 4%
Allocation by Divisions $8,948,589.00
Federal Funds
The majority of the Department’s funding comes from federal awards. For FY 2020, federal grant funds
will contribute $20,572,767, or 62% of the overall budget, to the Department’s operations. Allocated
across all categories, the estimated amounts are: Personnel Services at $5,740,868, which fund 18.29
Exempt and 63.06 Classified positions (81.85 total) within the Department; Supplies at $414,179; Other
Services and Charges at $12,807,810; Utilities at $81,351, Indirect at $1,472,559 and Capital Outlay at
$56,000. Below is a breakdown of federal funds by Division.Planning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
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Divisions Allocation Percentage
Coastal Zone Management $1,413,726 7%
Fish and Wildlife $ 2,840,677 14%
Environmental Enforcement $ 478,828 2%
Libraries, Archives & Museums $ 1,985,604 10%
Historic Preservation $ 417,300 2%
Environmental Protection $13,436,632 65%
Allocation by Divisions 20,572,767
Non-Appropriated Local Funds
The FY 2020 recommendation from Non-Appropriated (Special) funds is $3,899,947 or about 12% of the
Department’s total request. These funds, derived from fees, fines, and rentals of submerged and filled
submerged lands provide support to the Executive Office, DEE, Permits, CCZP, CZM, DLAM, and DEP. Fees
collected are deposited into the following funds: General, Coastal Protection, Legal Publication, Library
Revolving, Fish and Game, Underground Storage Tank, Natural Resource Reclamation and Air Pollution
Control. The Department notes that it has seen a slight increase in fees collected in FY 2019 ($6,102,651)
compared to FY 2018 ($5785,319). This is to be expected given the volume of construction taking place in
the territory at this time.
Breaking down the Special Funds by category, the estimated amounts are: $2,984,965 for Personnel
Services, which funds 42.68 positions within the Department; $221,2017 for Supplies; $600,875 for Other
Services and Charges; $28,000 for Utilities; and $56,000 for Capital Outlay. The table below provides the
Allocation of Special funds by Division.
Allocation of Non-Appropriated Local Funds by Divisions
Divisions Allocation Percentage
Executive Office $1,604,498.00 41%
Environmental Enforcement $ 483,504.00 12%
Comprehensive and Costal Zone Planning $ 398,114.00 10%
Coastal Zone Management $1,033,641.00 27%
Environmental Protection $ 380,190.00 10%
Allocation by Divisions $3,899,947.00Planning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
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BUDGET BY DIVISION
The following portion of the presentation provides an overview of each of the roles and
responsibilities of the 11 divisions, and for your review, the estimated FY 2020 budget for each
division. Here I will focus my discussion on the major initiatives that each division will embark upon
for FY 2020.
BUSINESS AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
The Division of Business and Administrative Service (DBAS) is responsible for all fiscal matters
pertaining to budgeting, personnel, payroll, revenue collection, and other fiscal matters involving
general, federal and other special funds. Below is the breakdown of the estimated FY 2020 budget
for the division.
Division: DBAS # of Personnel Existing: 17.50 Vacant: 4
General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund
Personnel $ 688,435
Fringe $ 314,097
Supplies $ 43,542
Travel $ 6,934
Capital Outlay $ 0
Utilities $ 26,000
Communications $ 35,000
Other Services $ 51,933
Indirect $ 0
Totals $1,165,941
FY 2020 Initiatives
DBAS, under the leadership of Director Dianne O’Garro and Assistant Director Kenneth Milligan, will
serve as the point agency for DPNR liaising with FEMA and VITEMA for the implementation of
projects under the Public Assistance Program. An estimated $6.3M is scheduled to be obligated for
the Department. The majority of these funds are for structural repairs to many of the DPNR facilities,
including all of the library facilities and the forts.
COMPREHENSIVE AND COASTAL ZONE PLANNING
Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning (CCZP) formulates long-range plans and policies,
including the development of a comprehensive plan to properly guide and manage the physical,
economic, and social growth and development trends in the territory. The Division is also
responsible for administering DPNR’s zoning map amendment, subdivision, planned area
development and group dwelling processes, and reviewing their effectiveness and
appropriateness. It serves as a resource center for government agencies and the public and
coordinates territorial planning activities and capital projects between the public and private
sector. Below is the breakdown of the estimated FY 2020 budget by category.Planning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 9
Division: CCZP # of Personnel Existing: 4 Vacant: 0
General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund
Personnel $179,220
Fringe $ 67,285
Supplies $ 22,984
Travel $ 1,500
Capital Outlay $ 0
Utilities $ 5,000
Communications $ 7,000
Other Services $ 21,000
Indirect $ 0
Totals $303,989
FY 2020 Initiatives
CCZP is working with ATCS, who has a Task Order from FEMA to provide services to DPNR with
respect to our building code and other elements of the Permits division. CCZP anticipates that in FY
2020, the Zoning Code update that has been pending since 2014 will be resubmitted to the 33rd
Legislature for adoption. This update includes the Form-based Code, otherwise known as The Town’s
Blueprint.
In addition to having the updates to the Zoning Code processed, in conjunction with the Division of
Coastal Zone Management, CCZP will be seeking to initiate the first of the island-based land use plans.
CZM is currently awaiting notification of the acceptance of its reprogramming request to use unspent
funding from its 2017 award to procure technical assistance for this initiative. Depending on cost,
CCZP will seek to have the plan for one of the three islands completed in FY 2020.
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
The Division of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), serves to protect, maintain, preserve, enhance and
restore the quality of the environment, while promoting the economic development and growth in
the coastal zone. CZM also permits and regulates all development within the first tier of the coastal
zone; develops, manages and promotes the St. Croix East End Marine Park; oversees the negotiation
and implementation of submerged and filled land leases; and assists in the protection of marine
environments, particularly coral reefs, via implementation of erosion and sedimentation control
regulations and programs and non-point source pollution control policies and programs.
CZM anticipates receiving awards of $1M and $533,000 respectively from NOAA’s Office for Coastal
Management for the implementation of the VI Coastal Zone Management Program and the VI Coral
Reef Initiative. Along with the non-federal match generated by the collection of fees and penalties,
these funds support 23 positions for the implementation of the tasks outlined in the cooperative
agreements. Below is the breakdown of funds for the FY 2020.
Division: CZM # of Personnel Existing: Vacant:
General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund
Personnel $608,211 $524,161Planning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 10
Fringe $232,802 $217,980
Supplies $ 16,160 $ 37,000
Travel $ 22,000 $ 10,000
Capital Outlay $ 0 $ 65,000
Utilities $ 0 $ 0
Communications $ 20,000 $ 7,000
Other Services $308,125 $172,500
Indirect $206,428 $ 0
Totals $1,413,726 $1,033,641
FY 2020 Initiatives
In 2018, CZM partnered with the Virgin Islands Professional Charter Association (VIPCA) to submit a
proposal to the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the creation of a transient
and day-use mooring system in the Territory. The proposal has been selected by the EDA for funding
in the amount of $532,000. Prior to the issuance of the funding, some pre-award conditions must be
met, which CZM is currently assisting with. CZM expects that after funding is provided,
approximately 35 moorings will be installed in FY 2020, and more being installed in FY 2021.
In FY 2020, CZM will be advancing projects associated with marine debris generated from Hurricanes
Irma and Maria. NOAA’s Marine Debris Program has provided $4.2M in disaster recovery funding for
the removal of derelict barges in Krum Bay, as well as the removal of other hurricane-related debris
not attended to immediately after the storms. The Krum Bay project is currently out for public bid,
and within the next two weeks, to coincide with “Coastweeks” Clean-Up events in September, the
public will be invited to submit proposals for mini-grants that will fund clean-up events across the
Territory.
Lastly, CZM, through its Coral Reef Initiative, will ramp up its efforts to combat the Stony Coral Tissue
Loss Disease (SCTLD) by funding response teams (“strike teams”). SCDLTD is deadly disease that
results in mortality of coral within days. It was first identified in St. Thomas in February, and we have
been actively managing affected areas since its discovery. The USVI has been working with the coral
reef community at large on investigation and techniques for slowing down the disease. As CZM alone
does not have the capacity to apply meaningful intervention on its own, CZM will be coordinating and
funding strike teams that will apply in-water interventions and continue to investigate sightings to
control the spread of the disease. Funding in the amount of $250,000 for these strike teams was
secured from the Department of Interior’s Coral Reef Initiatives grant program.
ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT
The Division of Environmental Enforcement (DEE) serves as the law enforcement arm of the
Department. Its primary functions are to enforce all boating safety and fishing regulations and
provide assistance to other divisions regarding the natural resource management laws of the
Territory. Its secondary functions are to support the philosophy of “zero tolerance” to illegal drugs
by assisting when called upon by federal and local enforcement agencies, and enforcement of
Homeland Security duties through land and marine patrols focused at preventing terrorist attacks.
DEE has 16 staff across the territory, of which only six (6) are active enforcement officers. Below is
the breakdown of funds for FY 2020.
Division: DEE # of Personnel Existing: 16 Vacant: 2Planning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 11
General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund
Personnel $ 76,000 $230,182 $316,982
Fringe $ 38,229 $102,990 $153,522
Supplies $ 0 $ 29,136 $ 0
Travel $ 0 $ 4,115 $ 0
Capital Outlay $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Utilities $ 0 $ 0 $ 13,000
Communications $ 0 $ 9,000 $ 0
Other Services $ 0 $ 14,851 $ 0
Indirect $ 0 $ 88,554 $ 0
Totals $114,229 $478,828 $483,504
FY 2020 Initiatives
In FY 2020, DEE will be reopening the La Reine Fish Market in St. Croix. Heights Construction &
Supply, LLC was awarded the contract to reconstruct the facility on April 15, 2019 at a cost of Seven
Hundred Thirty-Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-Nine Dollars ($739,999). Work commenced
on Monday May 6, 2019 and is expected to be fully completed by the end of fiscal year 2019. Once
completed the facility will house sixteen (16) stalls that will be available to commercial fishers for a
monthly rental fee. The department is currently evaluating potential monthly fees. The idea is to
have fees cover the expenses of the management of the facility.
In FY 2020, DEE will also seek to complete the reconstruction of the Krum Bay docking facility in St.
Thomas. The pre-bid selection started Tuesday August 6, 2019 and concluded on Tuesday August
20, 2019. The project initially started in January 2017; however, the then-Contractor, Pro Mar
Construction, encountered a rock bottom at the site and additional funding needed to be secured to
complete the project. Additional funding was secured through FEMA in the amount of $253,397.00
and was approved in July 2017, but the project was then further delayed due to the two hurricane
events that occurred in September 2017 rendering several vessels derelict into the project area
which were not cleared until February 2018. The timeline for bids to be submitted closes on August
20, 2019. We anticipate a swift contracting process as this project has previously commenced. This
project is estimated to take one hundred twenty (120) calendar days from date of commencement.
Lastly, DEE will be moving towards online vessel and mooring registrations for the start 2020
registration period. Earlier this year DEE solicited for software and services that would allow vessel
owners to register their vessels and/or moorings online, and a vendor was selected. Unfortunately,
DEE was unable to go through the contract process prior to the registration period, and thus this
initiative was pushed the following registration period. We anticipate in February 2020 alerting the
public of the online registration platform, way in advance of the June registration period. Owners
will be able to complete the registrations, and their cards can either be picked up or mailed to them.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The overall goal of the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) is to protect and conserve the
territories’ natural resources and to ensure that residents are protected from hazards and
environmental risks for a better quality of life. DEP staff have focused on strategic measures to guide
the division’s approach to protecting human health and the environment. However, the division’s
core goals are to provide residents with clean air, clean water, the conversation of land, and safetyPlanning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 12
from harmful chemicals. The outlined budget request will enable the division to support our main
priorities and achieve our most important goals for the territory.
Division: DEP # of Personnel Existing: 51 Vacant: 19
General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund
Personnel $ 802,413 $ 2,122,654 $249,145
Fringe $ 261,941 $ 830,393 $106,607
Supplies $ 15,541 $ 22,287 $ 15,000
Travel $ 1,800 $ 87,850 $ 4,000
Capital Outlay $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Utilities $ 96,614 $ 0 $ 0
Communications $ 44,179 $ 6,800 $ 0
Other Services $ 862,984 $9,560,560 $ 5,375
Indirect $ 0 $ 806,088 $ 0
Totals $2,085,472 $13,436,632 $380,190
FY 2020 Initiatives
In the upcoming fiscal year, DEP will continue the process of promulgating regulations for the
territory’s first municipal solid waste program. This would provide the department the authority to
oversee the regulation of the landfills directly, rather than the landfills being subject to EPA oversight.
To establish this program, DPNR will be using its disaster recovery funding from the EPA.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE
The Executive Office coordinates the operations of DPNR. The Commissioner, Assistant
Commissioner, Media Relations and the office of Human Resources all fall under the Executive Office.
Below is a breakdown of the requested budget for Fiscal Year 2020
Division: Exec. # of Personnel Existing: 21.15 Vacant: 9
Off
General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund
Personnel $ 264,650 $ 837,729
Fringe $ 117,184 $ 332,271
Supplies $ 23,542 $ 121,498
Travel $ 16,000 $ 28,500
Capital Outlay $1,000,000 $ 0
Utilities $ 17,000 $ 10,000
Communications $ 20,915 $ 23,000
Other Services $ 43,109 $ 234,000
Indirect $ 0 $ 0
Totals $1,502,400 $1,586,998
FY 2020 InitiativesPlanning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 13
During this fiscal year, the Executive Office will be seeking to finalize plans to assume control of the
old WAPA building in Estate Sub Base and refurbish it to serve as the permanent facility for the
department. This initiative will reduce the operating costs for the department long-term, and also
rehabilitate and repurpose a historic structure, something which is under the mandate of DPNR. It is
anticipated that the retrofitting of the building will take two years to complete. We are currently
assessing a temporary location to move the department to as the library has its share of challenges
for operations. In addition to addressing the main office needs for the St. Thomas, we will also be
restoring operation of the St. John office in Cruz Bay during the upcoming fiscal year.
During this fiscal year, the Executive Office will conduct an operations assessment of each of the
Divisions. The goal will be to determine where administrative costs may be consolidated for savings,
and better spent on other needs. This goal is timely, particularly in the St. Thomas district, as we
prepare to move into a permanent facility within the next two years.
FISH AND WILDLIFE
The Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) monitors, assesses, and implements conservation programs
and public awareness activities to enhance fish and wildlife resources in the Territory. DFW provides
natural resource conservation services to the Territory using federal funds that are congressionally
appropriated and competitively won. The projects are formulated based on long-term plans for
safeguarding wildlife and marine resources, and the grants are written, planned, and executed by the
staff including the biologists and environmental specialists of DFW.
Division: DFW # of Personnel Existing: 18 Vacant: 7
General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund
Personnel $916,261
Fringe $348,265
Supplies $309,248
Travel $ 35,000
Capital Outlay $ 56,000
Utilities $ 81,351
Communications $ 56,000
Other Services $717,083
Indirect $321,469
Totals $2,840,677
FY 2020 Initiatives
DFW has successfully passed a thorough review by the NOAA Disaster Relief Assistance financial
team as of August 2019 to obtain an award of $10.7M dollars, with more than $9.4M going directly to
fishers and fishing related businesses to recoup economic losses associated with the 2017 Hurricanes
Irma and Maria. DFW is planning the administration of the program to begin in the next few months.
DFW received a State Wildlife Grant of $173,686 to launch the campaign ‘VI Wild’ to promote native
wildlife and conduct an experimental reintroduction of St. Croix ground lizards to St. Croix. DFW also
received a Department of Interior Technical Assistance grant of $74,467 to participate in NationalPlanning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 14
Invasive Species Week and create an exotic pet amnesty program so that the public may apply for
and permit exotic animals already in the Territory and/or surrender animals that they no longer wish
to retain without penalty.
DFW will continue its efforts in rolling out a fee-based recreational fishing license. The goal of the
program is to protect marine resources by increasing the number of times that the public interfaces
with DFW and Environmental Enforcement so that DPNR can pass on fishing rules and regulations
and monitor the thousands of pounds of fish that the recreational fishing industry harvests each year.
Through aquatic education, deploying fish aggregating devices, and the license program DFW intends
to protect and conserve all of the Virgin Islands fisheries for the future.
LIBRARIES, ARCHIVES AND MUSEUMS
The Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums (DLAM) provides library and information services,
through the development and preservation of its historical and archival collections. The Museums
Unit is responsible for the interpretation of the history, arts, and culture of the USVI. This unit is
responsible for preserving and maintaining two coastal Danish fortresses, Fort Christian and Fort
Frederik Museums National Historic Landmark sites. Below is a breakdown of the requested budget
for the upcoming fiscal year.
Division: DLAM # of Personnel Existing: 31 Vacant: 12
General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund
Personnel $1,201,242 $ 22,128
Fringe $ 521,220 $ 8,794
Supplies $ 108,903 $ 31,482
Travel $ 12,000 $ 0
Capital Outlay $ 0 $ 0
Utilities $ 223,000 $ 0
Communications $ 82,000 $ 0
Other Services $ 145,945 $1,919,176
Indirect $ 0 $ 4,024
Totals $2,294,310 $1,985,604
FY 2020 Initiatives
During this fiscal year, DLAM will have the capital improvement projects completed on the various
facilities, including the Petersen library in Frederiksted, which has been closed since 2017. Once the
projects are completed, the department will be able to reopen the facility.
In cooperation with the Library of Congress, DLAM will also begin its “Duplication-on-Demand”
project for the Regional Public Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Through this
initiative, the physical audio book cassettes will be replaced with digital downloads. The downloaded
material will be housed virtually, making our collection more resilient, and improving the
management of our physical spaces.
PERMITSPlanning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 15
The Permits Unit (Permits) reviews and issues various types of construction permits, to include
demolition of existing structures. It also inspects all construction activity throughout the Territory
to ensure compliance with local and national building codes. Following the passage of Hurricanes
Irma and Maria in 2017, Permits received a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) in the amount
of $7.3M. With this grant we have hired 13 new staff including inspectors, plan reviewers,
administrative staff and technicians. We also purchased 7 vehicles, equipment and conducted on the
job training for new staff. This is a term grant, with approximately six (6) years remaining on it.
Below is the requested budget for FY 2020 for Permits.
Division: Permits # of Personnel Existing: 14 Vacant: 0
General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund
Personnel $ 690,523 $ 0
Fringe $ 311,396 $ 0
Supplies $ 71,542 $ 24,625
Travel $ 10,000 $ 5,000
Capital Outlay $ 0 $ 0
Utilities $ 34,000 $ 0
Communications $ 50,000 $ 1,000
Other Services $ 91,528 $ 81,000
Indirect $ 0 $ 0
Totals $1,258,989 $111,625
FY 2020 Initiatives
In the Division of Permits, through financial assistance provided by the Hazard Mitigation Grant from
FEMA, as well as a Technical Assistance Program (TAP) grant from the Department of Interior, DPNR
will implement its initiative to launch an “E-permitting” system for the department. This will allow
applicants to submit applications and track their progress online. In addition, it will allow inspectors
electronic access to files and records. The department has completed the proposal process and is
working with a vendor on terms for a contract.
During FY 2020, Permits will also be updating the flood zone regulations for the territory. In order
to maintain compliance with FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program, the territory must
periodically update its regulations. With the assistance of a consultant experienced in flood plain
regulations, Permits anticipates having updated regulations promulgated by mid-FY 2020.
VIRGIN ISLANDS STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
The Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office (VISHPO) preserves the archaeological and
historic heritage of the Virgin Islands by protecting and preserving, as well as fostering a meaningful
awareness and appreciation of the unique history of the Virgin Islands of the United States. This
mission is accomplished through education and outreach and by sponsoring and assisting programs
that promote historic preservation in the VI. Below is the breakdown of the requested budget for FY
2020.
Division: SHPO # of Personnel Existing: 6 Vacant: 0Planning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 16
General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund
Personnel $ 71,441 $226,600
Fringe $ 30,307 $ 91,588
Supplies $ 6,000 $ 5,866
Travel $ 7,500 $ 6,000
Capital Outlay $ 0 $ 0
Utilities $ 9,000 $ 0
Communications $ 8,000 $ 0
Other Services $ 20,000 $ 41,250
Indirect $ 0 $ 45,996
Totals $152,248 $417,300
FY 2020 Initiatives
Through the combined leadership of the VISHPO and the two Historic Preservation District
Committees, right after the 2017 hurricanes, initial assessments were conducted of the Territory’s
four historic districts for damages; in addition, the territory received advocacy support from the
National Trust for Historic Preservation and FEMA’s Environmental and Historic Preservation
Program. All these combined efforts resulted in the Virgin Islands being awarded just over $10M
from the U.S. Congress approved Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. This funding will be utilized by the
VISHPO to administer and direct aid to National Register listed or eligible historic sites damaged in
the 2017 storms. The National Park Service is working on the administrative process for the historic
recovery program. Just recently, the VISHPO hosted a team from the NPS’s National Register Program
to conduct follow up assessments of the historic town districts.
In FY 2020, SHPO anticipates being able to provide $200,000 towards the Contentment Village
Restoration Project on St. Croix. SHPO, through savings realized from its National Park Service (NPS)
Historic Preservation Fund Grant, requested that the $200,000 be re-allocated to aid in restoring the
Contentment site. Pending NPS final approval, a sub-grant award agreement with the Department of
Public Works will be executed to assist with the required match to the $300,000 Federal Highway
Administration funding being held by DPW.
VIRGIN ISLANDS COUNCIL ON THE ARTS
The Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (VICA) is an agency within the Department of Planning and
Natural Resources charged with enriching the artistic and cultural life of the Virgin Islands through
leadership that preserves, supports, strengthens and makes accessible, excellence in the arts to all
Virgin Islanders. VICA receives federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, which
must be matched with local appropriations from the Government of the Virgin Islands. Federal and
local funds are disbursed Territory-wide through a competitive grant award process to individual
artists, arts organizations, schools and community-based entities. Below is the requested budget for
FY 2020.
Division: VICA # of Personnel Existing: 4 Vacant: 0
General Fund Federal Fund Special FundPlanning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 17
Personnel $169,050 $ 0
Fringe $ 70,604 $ 0
Supplies $ 0 $ 0
Travel $ 3,500 $ 0
Capital Outlay $ 0 $ 0
Utilities $ 5,000 $ 0
Communications $ 7,000 $ 0
Other Services $119,846 $294,260
Indirect $ 0 $ 0
Totals $375,000 $294,260
Ms. Tasida Kelch, Executive Director for the VI Council on the Arts, will provide a presentation on the
activities and initiatives of VICA.
For ease of reference, provided as a Appendix to this testimony is a summary by division of FY 2019
accomplishments to date.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, I would like to thank the 33rd Legislature for the opportunity to present the FY 2020
budget for the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. With the support of the Legislature,
and in combination with our federal assistance awards, the department is poised to undertake
actions that make our operations more efficient, provide additional services to our people, and
support the overall mission of the Bryan-Roach Administration - building a more resilient territory
for our residents and our guests.Planning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 18
APPENDIX I: FISCAL YEAR 2019 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
COMPREHENSIVE AND COASTAL ZONE PLANNING
CCZP continued its customary functions and processed the following through the first three
quarters of FY 2019:
• 3034 business licenses, 404 earth change permits, and 11 Major CZM permits for zoning
compliance; 4 subdivision applications; 73 zoning inquiries; held 7 public
hearings/informational meetings (for both zoning map amendments and wireless
facilities); completed 4 zoning map amendment recommendation reports; issued 38 zoning
violations; and presented 3 zoning map amendment applications before the Legislature’s
Committee of the Whole.
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
• CZM has completed the Phase 2 of the St Croix East End Marine Park Visitor Center, Phase
2. Improvements including multi-media inputs and interactive displays being installed.
• CZM has hired a Coastal Resilience Coordinator who will work on projects related to climate
hazards and resilience in the US Virgin Islands. The focus of the Resilience Coordinator will
identify vulnerabilities across the territory and create mitigation and adaptation strategies
to reduce risk
• CZM has processed 70 new applications and 23 modification requests through the third
quarter of FY 2019, the majority of which were minor land applications for residential
developments in Tier 1.
ENIVRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT
• During the registration period of 2019, DEE processed the following registstrations:
Boat Registration 2,821
Mooring Registration 329
Anchoring 25
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
• DEP has advanced its air quality monitors to improve upon data capture to meet national
standards and carry out mandated responsibilities per the Clean Air Act (CAA). Additionally,
the division continues to provide a variety of technical assistance, training, and information
to support the territory’s clean air strategies.
• DEP continues to partner with agencies such as WAPA, Public Works, and Waste
Management, to improve upon our drinking water supplies and upgrade our wastewater and
stormwater infrastructure. In FY 2019, DEP has issued approximately $6.2M in Clean Water
Act assistance awards to the partnering agencies.Planning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 19
• The Pesticide program has completed revisions to the existing rules and regulations. These
rules incorporate substantive changes made by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
concerning the certification and training standards for pesticide applicators. State
certification and training plan update that reflects these changes are due to EPA on March 4,
2020, for all states, including the Virgin Islands. As demonstrated in 2015, misuse of
restricted use, pesticides may pose a significant risk to human health. To further deter the
misuse of harmful chemicals in the territory, the division will submit, pesticide rules and
regulations to the governor for promulgation to supplement the VI Code.
FISH AND WILDLIFE
• The Virgin Islands’ Wildlife Action Plan was congressionally approved in June 2019 and
qualifies the division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to receive apportioned State Wildlife Grant
funds of roughly $150,000 each year. DFW maintained its Cooperative Agreements with the
United States Fish and Wildlife Services to uphold the Endangered Species Act qualifying DFW
to administer roughly $50,000 per annum of congressionally allocated project funds for
endangered species conservation.
• DFW also reconfigured its permitting process including a new page on the DPNR website
geolocating each research project that occurs in the Territory and processing each permit in
30 days or less. This year DFW has processed 24 fish and 44 wildlife permits for local and
international scientific researchers. DFW is collaborating with the Virgin Islands Department
of Agriculture to review all exotic animal import permits and to permit local farmers and
persons suffering from economic hardships due to nuisance wildlife, recovering thousands of
dollars to our local economy.
LIBRARIES, ARCHIVES AND MUSEUMS
• In efforts to increase funding, the Division of Libraries Archives and Museums has applied
for and received almost one-half million dollars in grant awards, namely:
the Institute of Museum Libraries Services Pacific Grant in the amount of $35,500.00 for
the purchase of a Microfilm Scanner / Reader Pro 300 Machines and also for training
opportunities for DLAM staff;
Office of Insular Affairs, Technical Assistance Program in the amount of $100,000.00 for
ADA awareness campaign and also for a mentorship program campaign for
artisans/persons seeking museum careers/opportunities at Fort Frederik and Fort
Frederik;
Office of Insular Affairs, Maintenance Assistance Program in the amount of $300,000.00
for the maintenance of AC units and generators at libraries territorially and for training
of maintenance staff territorially. These funds are in addition to the applied approved
yearly of $100,604.00 allotment from the Institute of Museum Library for library
services and enhancement for the next five years.Planning and Natural Resources
Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Presentation
Page 20
STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
• The State Historic Preservation Office provided mandatory Section 106 reviews for several
federally supported undertakings in the territory and provided historic preservation
technical assistance to private sector property owners and VI governmental agencies.
Another noted accomplishment is the previously noted Historic Recovery Program funding,
which will assist damaged historic buildings and houses. Approximately 60 reviews have
been completed through the first three quarters of this fiscal year.
VI COUNCIL ON THE ARTS
• The VICA Board of Directors and staff reviewed one hundred and thirty-three grants with
requests for funding totaling $683,220. $387,380 was awarded to one hundred and thirty-
three grantees Territory-wide.
• VICA concluded all components of state level competitions of Poetry Out Loud on March 9,
2019. This year VICA had 10 schools participating in Poetry Out Loud. Poetry Out Loud is a
national initiative that encourages students to learn about great poetry through
memorization and performances. Beginning at the classroom level, winners advance to
school wide competitions then move on to state competitions and ultimately to the National
Finals in Washington, D.C.; approximately 325,000 students participate annually. This year
the Virgin Islands territorial winner was Mahlana Graham, a 17-year old senior at the St Croix
7th day Adventist school. The National finals took place on April 28th-May 2nd.
• The Congressional Arts Competition: High school students in both school districts
compete to have their paintings, photos and drawings exhibited in the Nation’s capital. This
program is done in partnership with the Office of the Delegate to Congress, Stacey Plaskett.
VICA coordinates the competition and awards prizes to the top three winners. VICA also
sponsors the winner and chaperone’s trip to Washington, D.C. in June to take part in the
national exhibit hosted by the U.S. Congress. The winner this year was Ms. Alayna Carabolla
from St. Croix Central High School.You can also read
