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Community Survey on V.I.P.A. Proposed Marine Tariff Increases

The Office of Angel Bolques Jr., Senator At Large, is asking for your support in gathering data through this survey to assess how residents, commuters, and business owners in St. John feel about the proposed new and increased VIPA fees, and to gather actionable ideas and recommendations that Senator Bolques can present to the VIPA Board before they decide to approve the proposed fee increases. This information will also be shared with the members of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands for potential consideration or action.

Which category best describes you?

Which category best describes you?

How often do you use the CRUZ BAY PARKING LOT?

How often do you use the CRUZ BAY PARKING LOT?

When using the CRUZ BAY PARKING LOT, how long do you utilize the Parking spot?

When using the CRUZ BAY PARKING LOT, how long do you utilize the Parking spot?

How often do you use the FERRY BOAT over to St. Thomas?

How often do you use the FERRY BOAT over to St. Thomas?

How often do you use the BARGE over to St. Thomas?

How often do you use the BARGE over to St. Thomas?

Before this survey, were you aware that VIPA plans to implement new and increased marine fees effective ?

Before this survey, were you aware that VIPA plans to implement new and increased marine fees effective ?

Which of the following new or adjusted fees will affect you most? (Choose all that apply)

Which of the following new or adjusted fees will affect you most? (Choose all that apply)

How would you describe the Impact these new fees will have on you or your business?

How would you describe the Impact these new fees will have on you or your business?

Do you believe the new fees are fair and justified based on VIPA’s stated reasons (maintenance, dredging, and port improvements)?

Do you believe the new fees are fair and justified based on VIPA’s stated reasons (maintenance, dredging, and port improvements)?

How will the new $2.00 passenger fee for non-drivers using the Red Hook Barge Ramp affect your daily or weekly commuting costs?

How will the new $2.00 passenger fee for non-drivers using the Red Hook Barge Ramp affect your daily or weekly commuting costs?

How will the introduction of paid parking at the Victor Sewer Marine Facility affect your ability to access Cruz Bay for work, business, or errands?

How will the introduction of paid parking at the Victor Sewer Marine Facility affect your ability to access Cruz Bay for work, business, or errands?

If all proposed marine fee increases are implemented, how do you expect your monthly cost of living or doing business on St. John to change?

If all proposed marine fee increases are implemented, how do you expect your monthly cost of living or doing business on St. John to change?

Do you believe VIPA considered the higher cost of goods and living on St. John when developing these new fees?

Do you believe VIPA considered the higher cost of goods and living on St. John when developing these new fees?

Do you think it’s fair that St. John residents must pay the same or higher fees as other islands despite having fewer public service options?

Do you think it’s fair that St. John residents must pay the same or higher fees as other islands despite having fewer public service options?

Should residents with Virgin Islands IDs or proof of residence receive reduced rates for parking and ferry-related fees?

Should residents with Virgin Islands IDs or proof of residence receive reduced rates for parking and ferry-related fees?

Should VIPA be required to publish a detailed breakdown of how funds collected from new fees will be spent on each island?

Should VIPA be required to publish a detailed breakdown of how funds collected from new fees will be spent on each island?

Please share any additional comments or suggestions regarding the proposed fee changes. What would you prefer?

How do you believe these new fees might affect accessibility for elderly residents, students, or low-income workers traveling between St. John and St. Thomas?

What alternative funding sources or ideas should VIPA explore to avoid passing costs to residents (e.g., cruise passenger surcharges, barge and parking, public-private partnerships, etc.)?

“Proposed Amendment: Transparency in VIPA Fee Changes (Title 29, Chapter 10, §543(12))”
Senator Angel L. Bolques Jr. is proposing an amendment to Title 29, Chapter 10, §543(12) to require the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) to publish a Rate Justification Report, based on an economic impact analysis on port users, shippers, and other affected stakeholders; hold a public comment period, and provide advance notice to the Legislature and public before increasing any port fees.
DRAFT LANGUAGE:
Inserted Text (as part of Section 12):
Provided further, that prior to any proposal to alter the general rate structure, the Authority shall:
1. Prepare and publish a Rate Justification Report, which shall:
o Detail the projected revenues and expenditures justifying the proposed rate change;
o Include an economic impact analysis on port users, shippers, and other affected stakeholders;
o Provide a comparison of current rates with comparable regional or national port authorities;
o Specify how the new rates align with the Authority’s obligations under this chapter, including debt service, operations, and maintenance.
2. Submit such a report to the Governor and the Legislature of the Virgin Islands no fewer than 60 days before the proposed implementation date.
3. Make the full report publicly available on the Authority’s website and at its main offices at least 30 days before the scheduled public hearings required under this section.
4. Include in its public hearing notice a summary of the proposed rate changes, the rationale for such changes, and a public comment period of no less than 21 days.
5. Include in the hearing record all written public comments received, and respond in writing to substantive concerns prior to final adoption of the rate change.
6. The Legislature may, by resolution, request an independent audit or review of any rate justification report submitted by the Authority, particularly where the proposed rate increases exceed 100% of the existing rates or fees.
Would you support this Bill?

“Proposed Amendment: Transparency in VIPA Fee Changes (Title 29, Chapter 10, §543(12))” Senator Angel L. Bolques Jr. is proposing an amendment to Title 29, Chapter 10, §543(12) to require the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) to publish a Rate Justification Report, based on an economic impact analysis on port users, shippers, and other affected stakeholders; hold a public comment period, and provide advance notice to the Legislature and public before increasing any port fees. DRAFT LANGUAGE: Inserted Text (as part of Section 12): Provided further, that prior to any proposal to alter the general rate structure, the Authority shall: 1. Prepare and publish a Rate Justification Report, which shall: o Detail the projected revenues and expenditures justifying the proposed rate change; o Include an economic impact analysis on port users, shippers, and other affected stakeholders; o Provide a comparison of current rates with comparable regional or national port authorities; o Specify how the new rates align with the Authority’s obligations under this chapter, including debt service, operations, and maintenance. 2. Submit such a report to the Governor and the Legislature of the Virgin Islands no fewer than 60 days before the proposed implementation date. 3. Make the full report publicly available on the Authority’s website and at its main offices at least 30 days before the scheduled public hearings required under this section. 4. Include in its public hearing notice a summary of the proposed rate changes, the rationale for such changes, and a public comment period of no less than 21 days. 5. Include in the hearing record all written public comments received, and respond in writing to substantive concerns prior to final adoption of the rate change. 6. The Legislature may, by resolution, request an independent audit or review of any rate justification report submitted by the Authority, particularly where the proposed rate increases exceed 100% of the existing rates or fees. Would you support this Bill?

Please feel free to provide any suggestions or recommendations for Senator Angel Bolques Jr. and/or the Virgin Islands Port Authority.