U.S. Virgin Islands – Tomorrow, Senator Angel L. Bolques Jr. will present
Bill No. 36-0110 to the 36th Legislature’s Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning. The long-awaited legislation seeks to overhaul how the Virgin Islands regulates public road excavation, closing a 56-year accountability and infrastructure protection gap. “Our laws have only regulated private roads for more than half a century. Meanwhile, our public roads have been left vulnerable—scarred by trenching, poor restoration, and unchecked abuse, with no legal protections that the Department of Public Works can enforce to hold violators accountable and safeguard our infrastructure,” said Senator Bolques. “This bill finally puts an end to that neglect. We’re not patching over problems anymore—we’re fixing them for good.” The measure empowers the Department of Public Works with new authority to include suspend permits, issue fines, and enforcing compliance, while mandating strict standards for safety, timelines, and restoration of roads, sidewalks, and adjoining property. With a 90-day implementation period, the bill ensures swift action to establish a modern permit system, inspection protocols, and oversight mechanisms. “Whether it’s potholes, collapsed trenches, or delayed restoration, the public has paid the price for too long,” added Bolques. “We need a system that protects our roads and our people. This is that system.” “Bill No. 36-0110 is set to be one of the most significant infrastructure reforms in modern Virgin Islands history. On Friday, September 12, 2025, the committee will convene to formally introduce and debate this landmark legislation. Senator Bolques urges all residents to follow the process closely, stay informed, and make their voices heard.”
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