A leading engineer and designer - Jacobs has been selected to oversee a critical infrastructure reconstruction project in the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

This project acts as a significant step towards recovering areas affected by the 2017 hurricanes. Jacobs will be in charge of a multi-agency program that will take a few years to complete. Restoring public buildings, schools and roads across the region will be the major priority.

The Office of Disaster Recovery, along with the Virgin Islands Department of Education and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, awarded the contract. The company will manage the planning, design and construction coordination at multiple sites. They announced a major project that is one of the largest program management efforts in the Caribbean in recent years. With above $10 billion in planned investments, this work consists of over 100 capital improvement projects.

Hurricanes such as Irma and Maria in 2017 caused huge damage to the U.S. Virgin Islands. These storms harmed critical infrastructures. Recovery has been slow due to delays in funding and challenges with logistics when working across the islands.

The company will take a new role focused on large-scale recovering efforts. They will act as a program manager, helping local agencies manage contracts, track timelines, ensure they follow federal funding rules and monitor project progress.

“This is about building back stronger, safer and smarter,” says a spokesperson from Jacobs.

Local officials say this reconstruction is a unique chance to upgrade old buildings, strengthen the community and create lasting economic benefits. One of the top priorities is to rebuild public schools, many of which still use temporary classrooms. The program also aims to strengthen healthcare facilities, public safety buildings and water systems so they can better survive future storms.

This announcement follows recent plans to build the Virgin Islands’ first new school in over 30 years - an encouraging sign that long-delayed recovery efforts are finally gaining momentum. Jacobs has managed post-disaster reconstruction projects in New Orleans and Puerto Rico. They are well-suited to the intricate requirements of the Virgin Islands because of their background.

Their portfolio of U.S. infrastructure projects continues to expand with this award. The business is currently working on project involving federal funding for climate resilience and disaster preparedness as part of the larger Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act (IIJA).

The construction is set to start in late 2025. Employing and training locals will be the main focus of the program for strengthening the local economy. In addition to repairs, the reconstruction promises a more resilient and sustainable future for the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.