Senator Genevieve Whitaker Reaches Out the Department of
Public Works in addressing the Recent Fredriksted Town Flood
and Shares Update on Oversight Efforts concerning Roads
St. Croix, Virgin Islands (U.S.) —Senator Genevieve Whitaker, Vice-Chairwoman of the Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, alarmed by the flooding in the town of Frederiksted following this past Wednesday's weather event, Thursday, October 14, reached out to the Department of Public Works, sending a letter the Commissioner Derek Gabriel concerning the flooding.
Specifically, Senator Whitaker asked Commissioner Gabriel to advise whether the current road construction projects will also address the causing of the flooding in the town, citing the town history with flooding, the deadly 2010 flood, where many people took refuge for safety. Senator Whitaker acknowledged that Commissioner Gabriel responded immediately to her request for information stating that "[t]he current phases of the project only partially address drainage concerns in Frederiksted. We are analyzing more comprehensive ways to address the stormwater drainage system in our historic towns across the Territory, but this will take some time. In addition, we have several collapsed sidewalks, culverts, and inadequate grates and catchments that need to be addressed in Christiansted, Frederiksted, and Charlotte Amalie. To address the immediate need, our [o]perations crews will be out in full force, and, as you know, we've been doing our routine hurricane prep by addressing the major guts." Other engagements with the Department of Public Works entail Senator Whitaker's continued and consistent follow-up efforts on the progress of all road and infrastructure projects. Senator Whitaker encourages the Department of Public Works to hold town hall meetings to relay road and infrastructure projects to the members of their respective communities.
"I continue to exercise my oversight and investigatory responsibilities on behalf of service and commitment to the fellow members of my community," states Senator Whitaker. Senator Whitaker encourages anyone with a concern, project, or idea to contact the office via phone at 340-712-2379 or via email: senatorwhitaker@legvi.org
"I believe transparency in government is key to restoring our nation's faith in its elected leaders." – Kirsten Gillibrand
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