Public Notice to participate in the VIDPNR-CZM 309 Program Assessment

GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OF THE UNITED STATES

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DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES
No. 45 Estate Mars Hill, Frederiksted
St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00840

 

Office of the Commissioner                                                                                                              Telephone: (340) 773-1082

FAX: (340) 773-1716

 

 

CONTACT: Jamal Nielsen, Media Relations Coordinator

FAX: (340) 713-2430

jamal.nielsen@dpnr.vi.gov

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

Commissioner Dawn L. Henry, Esq. of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) wishes to advise the public that the Division of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) will be hosting public meetings on all three islands to receive input on the 309 Assessment and Strategy (Enhancement) plan for the CZM program.  The Federal CZM Act identifies nine Program Enhancement Areas (PEAs) where efforts should be focused: wetlands, coastal hazards, public access, marine debris, cumulative and secondary impacts, ocean resources, energy and government facility siting, aquaculture and special area management plans. In addition to these, threatened and endangered species and marine protected areas are considered priorities in all enhancement areas. Under Section 309, awards may be given to DPNR to implement federally approved program changes that support objectives to one or more of the nine PEAs. To be eligible for funding, the DPNR must submit an appropriate 309 Assessment and Strategy Document covering a five-year interval.  For more information on the 309 Enhancement program, please click this link, or go to http://geographicconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/FINAL-Sect-309-Guidance_June2014.pdf

CZM has completed an assessment of its Program and identified problems and opportunities within each of the enhancement areas, and determined the effectiveness of the Program’s existing efforts to address problems for each of the enhancement objectives.  The assessment document for CZM can be found by following this link, or by going to http://geographicconsulting.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/USVI-309-Assessment_2018_draft_final-1.pdf

Comments on the CZM Enhancement Plan can be submitted to czm@dpnr.vi.gov.  In addition, meetings regarding the plan will take place March 13 – 15, 2018 at the times and locations listed below:

 

 

1. CROIX: Tuesday, March 13^th at the University of the Virgin Islands from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm; and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

 

1. THOMAS: Wednesday, March 14^th at the West Indian Company, Ltd. (WICO) Executive Conference Room from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm; and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm

 

1. JOHN: Thursday, March 15^th at the Westin Resort from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm; and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm