After a marathon hearing Friday that left the issue of Beal Aeropsace and where it will locate undecided, Sen. Adelbert Bryan has petitioned Senate President Vargrave Richards to bring the Legislature into full session Wednesday, July 28, to make a decision on the rocket company's land swap proposal.
Beal wants to exchange land it owns in Estate Whim and Estate Grange Hill with the government for 14 acres of land in Great Pond, where it plans to build a world headquarters and rocket assembly factory.
Residents and senators at Friday's hearing expressed strong support for Beal, but not, however, for the Great Pond location.
"We request that notices be served, as soon as practicable, requesting the appearance of the President of the Beal Aerospace Technologies, Inc., and the appropriate representatives from the government," Bryan's petition said.
As of Saturday, only St. Croix Sen. Norman Jn. Baptiste had signed Bryan's petition.
Beal officials have said repeatedly over the past several months that if they can't build in Great Pond, they won't build anywhere on the island.
It was revealed at Friday's hearing, however, that Beal had discussed a deal with the V.I. Port Authority for land in Estate Betty's Hope, and that there may still be room for negotiations over that site.