The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Monday, April 22, 2019, announced that it has awarded $4.1 million to the U.S. Virgin Islands for construction work at the Clinton Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas. Photo: VI Consortium

Torrential flooding, storm surge and hurricane force winds from Hurricane Irma caused substantial damage to various components of the racetrack, FEMA said. During the storm, materials within the racetrack composed of sand or clay were quickly washed away.

The racetrack experienced damage to most areas, including the exterior lighting systems, bandstand roof, main stable, starting gate, bleachers and restroom facilities.

“Support to rebuild Clinton Phipps Racetrack is a welcomed opportunity for horse racing enthusiasts and the Virgin Islands community. Modernizing our recreational infrastructure is part of our administration’s strategy to drive economic development and improve the quality of life for Virgin Islands residents,” said Governor Albert Bryan Jr.

“I want to thank FEMA and our federal partners for their commitment and continued efforts to assist the people of the Virgin Islands in the post-hurricane rebuilding efforts. We are moving in the right direction, but there remains much work to be done.”

The Clinton Phipps Racetrack will be funded under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, which authorizes alternative procedures for the Public Assistance (PA) program. This fixed-cost grant gives the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) the ability to apply any unused funds to future projects, the release said.

The work on this facility is scheduled to begin in early 2020, it is estimated to take up to two years to complete.