Today, the House Committee on Natural Resources passed H.R. 4731. Introduced by Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands), the bill extends the retained use estate for the Caneel Bay resort in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Today I am pleased that my bill H.R. 4731 was passed out of the Natural Resources Committee by voice vote. Caneel Bay is vital to the economic viability of St. John and the overall Territory, bringing 15,000 guests and $65 million in annual total spending on St. John.  Additionally, the 500 jobs the resort provides makes Caneel Bay the largest employer on St. John. Given the urgency for Caneel to find capital post-storm, and recognizing the impact potential closure of the resort would have on the VI economy, I introduced this bill that will extend the RUE and would require Caneel to provide payments to the federal government for use of the land. I want to also thank Chairman Bishop for coming to the Virgin Islands and listening to our Chamber of Commerce in regards to how important Caneel Bay is to the Island. I also want to thank him for his amendment addressing rental fees. I look forward to the passage of the bill on the House floor and then passage by the Senate and look forward to the President signing it into law,” Rep. Plaskett stated.

“I am excited about this bill and am happy to join in this bipartisan effort to help quickly rebuild the economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands that was devastated by two hurricanes. I thank Rep. Plaskett for her work on this bill and efforts to respond to the urgent request of the local community,” Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) stated.