ST. THOMAS — The Virgin Islands Port Authority held a grand opening and dedication ceremony today for the Dale A. Gregory Transportation Center located at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, which will open to the public Monday.
Named for the Port Authority’s retired Engineering Director, Dale Gregory, the 213,000-square-foot transportation center will provide more than 300 parking spaces for the public, a dedicated floor for taxis and other ground transportation as well as a centralized car rental area.
Speaking to the group of over 100 people gathered, Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte said tourism air arrivals into the territory were up 28% from last year, and that if there was ever a need for continued investment in the airport project that time was now.
“I like to compare our tourism product to a river and we who live in the territory are the village,” Boschulte said. “And if that river continues to be strong, and forceful and clean, and healthy and safe, then the village continues to thrive. And our tourism product is the economic river for our success and sustainability as a community.”
The transportation center project began in March 2021, and was funded mainly through a $20 million hurricane recovery grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce-Economic Development Administration, as well as through a partial match from the Virgin Islands Port Authority.
Adrienne Williams-Octalien, Office of Disaster Recovery director, said the project demonstrated the territory’s ability to deliver on projects funded by federal aid.
“We can say to the federal government, you can give us millions of dollars and we can effectuate the intended mission,” Williams-Octalien said. “This is proof today so that there is no fear that the 15 billion in recovery dollars that we have here, we are going to spend it. We are going to rebuild, and we are going to effectuate our resiliency in this territory.”
The honoree, Gregory, who sat on stage during today's ceremony, also spoke of community spirit during his remarks. He said he was deeply moved and grateful for the honor to have his name associated with a place that represented progress, innovation and service to the people of the Virgin Islands.
“Having spent 37 years at the Port Authority, this moment is a culmination of a lifelong dedication to advancing our infrastructure and serving our community,” Gregory said. “I'm reminded of the countless individuals who have supported and collaborated with me over the years. This honor is not just mine. It belongs to every person who has been a part of this incredible journey.”
Gregory began his career with the Port Authority in 1983. During that time, he oversaw major capital projects, including the runway extensions of both the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix, and the construction of the cruise pier and shopping center at the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Facility in Crown Bay.
Carlton Dowe, VIPA executive director, praised Gregory, saying that every member of the Port Authority's governing body voted to name the facility in his honor.
“For what Dale Gregory has meant to this authority, I believe it's only fitting that this facility, where he spent so much time, and this place that he called home away from home, and gave so much of himself, that the best thing to do is to name this building, this facility in his honor,” Dowe said.
The ceremony concluded with an unveiling of the large blue block letters reading “Dale A. Gregory Transportation Center,” that will be visible to all future travelers.
