An overflowing crowd of St. Johnians this week let the V.I. Port Authority know just how they feel about the proposed $2.50 car barge fee each way between Cruz Bay and Red Hook.
The fee, originally scheduled to go into effect Sunday, was the subject of the town meeting called by Sen. Roosevelt David. Testifier after testifier expressed their displeasure and their mistrust for Port Authority, which says that the barge fees are needed to complete the Enighed Pond and Red Hook projects. The Enighed Pond project is estimated to cost about $16 million with the Virgin Islands government and Port Authority sharing the cost.
Like St. John Administrator Julien Harley, I too remember that the Enighed Pond project has been on the drawing board for decades. During my boyhood days in Cruz Bay, my parents attended many meetings and discussions and had seen several versions of the proposal, which at one time included a marina.
My parents and many other St. Johnians who pushed for this program to become a reality are no longer with us today. It is time to get it done.
Although I too have some misgivings, and a feeling of "here we go again," I believe that Port Authority Executive Director Gordon Finch is most committed to seeing this project through. And I must applaud the Authority's decision to put the Oct. 1 effective date on hold until the issue is discussed at their next board meeting; I see this as a "goodwill" move.
Most Americans pay fees and tolls for the upkeep of highways, parks and bridges. Why should we be any different?
It is inevitable some kind of barge user fee will eventually be levied, and what the barge companies charge will increase if they are to stay in business.
Former At-Large Sen. Robert O'Connor, the lone St. Johnian on the Port Authority Board said at the meeting, "The people will be more willing to pay after the project is completed and they can see what they are paying for. Seeing is believing." I agree.
Port Authority could charge a lower roundtrip fee per vehicle initially, then once the Enighed Pond project is completed, the fee could be increased. The barge companies should collect the fee, which would be folded into what they charge those transporting their vehicles. The barge companies would then turn the fees over to Port Authority.
I suggest that Port Authority, the barge companies and the Legislature meet to discuss the possible options if the project is to become a reality. St. Johnians have waited long enough.
Native St. Johnian Oswin A. Sewer is a retired educator.
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