The Virgin Islands Port Authority Board of Governors has selected VIports Partners, a consortium, to redevelop the terminals at both Cyril E. King Airport (STT) and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX). VIports Partners will also enter into a transition agreement with the V.I. Port Authority to operate and maintain the terminals and both airports. The P3 Partner will also finance the costs of redeveloping both terminals.
VIPA received two excellent proposals in February in response to its Airports P3 Request for Proposals. After an extensive and thorough review process by the Authority’s Evaluation Committee, the Board overwhelmingly approved the recommendation of VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe of VIports Partners at its special meeting today in St. Thomas. Dowe said, “This partnership proves that the USVI can do big things and that we are open for business. The time for progress is now, because the Caribbean and the rest of the world are not waiting for the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
VIports Partners is comprised of the following members:
Terminal Developer – Aecon Group Inc. (Aecon)
Equity Providers – Aecon/Tikehau Star Infra
Airport Operator – AvPorts LLC
Terminal Architects – Corgan Associates, Inc.
Contractors – Aecon/Joint Venture of Consigli Construction and J. Benton Construction
Legal – Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, LLP/Dudley Rich LLP
VIports Partners’ proposal provides VIPA and the USVI with the best overall value during the development and operational phases of the Cyril E. King and the Henry E. Rohlsen passenger terminals and airports. VIports Partners will redevelop both terminals with modern airport amenities, including the addition of passenger boarding bridges. The renovation of both terminals is expected to significantly enhance the traveler experience in the USVI and solidify the U.S. territory’s position as one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and VIPA officials will host a joint press conference at Government House in St. Thomas to introduce the VIports Partners team to the public on April 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The press conference will be live streamed on the following sites:
Media planning to attend in person must RSVP to Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. by emailing Richard.MottaJr@go.vi.gov. Media who plan to participate virtually may use their previously assigned VMIX call link or may get one by contacting Director Motta.
Frasca & Associates LLC is serving VIPA as the P3 and Financial Advisor, Mayer Brown LLP is serving as the P3 Legal Advisor, the Law Offices of Jennifer Jones and the Law Office of Trudy Fenster are serving as Local Counsel, The Paslay Group is serving as the P3 Technical Advisor, and Public Strategy Group is serving as the Communications Advisor.
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