The Economic Development Authority has received a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration for development of the EDA’s Vision 2040 Post-Disaster Resiliency and Preparedness Plan, Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett has announced. During a June board meeting, Kamal Latham, E.D.A. chief executive officer, said the VI 2040 Vision is an effort to develop a 20-year economic plan for the territory. “The governor designated E.D.A. to lead a multi-agency task force to develop the vision to be deployed on October 1st,” said Mr. Latham. “We have been granted $1 million from the Community Development and Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funds to fund Vision 2040.” Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett said the federal grant was provided to help rebuild communities devastated by natural disasters in the territory, to include several designated opportunity zones. “The investment will help hire managing directors, provide for industry analysis, and facilitate public meetings to gather ideas for the plan, which will lay the groundwork for the next 20 years of development in the territory,” she said. “Once completed, the project will increase job opportunities, attract foreign direct investment, and promote economic resilience after future natural disasters.” She added, “This investment award will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to help in the re-establishment of our islands. The investment award is a vital component of that concern.” A request for clarification of VI 2040 Vision dated May 21st that includes consultant questions and answers, is posted on the E.D.A. website and gives more detailed information about the initiative. According to the document, Shanell Petersen, managing director of marketing and 2040 vision, is the internal lead at the E.D.A. for the 20-year economic plan…
Read More: EDA Receives .2 Million Grant For 2040 Vision Post-Disaster Resiliency and Preparedness Plan
Source: VI Consortium