BRYAN SIGNS $739.2 MILLION FY2027 BUDGET AS VIRGIN ISLANDS ENTERS NEW FISCAL YEAR

(Spending package supports healthcare, education, infrastructure, hospitals and public services as new fiscal year begins)

Oct. 4, 2026

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has signed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget bills approved by the 36th Legislature, authorizing hundreds of millions of dollars in government spending to support essential services, public institutions and infrastructure development across the territory.

The approved budget includes $739.2 million from the General Fund for the operation of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year that began October 1, along with additional appropriations for hospitals, education, public utilities, government agencies and other public institutions.

The spending package represents a major financial commitment by the Bryan-Roach Administration as the territory enters another fiscal year amid ongoing demands for improved public services, infrastructure investment and responsible financial management.

“This budget allows us to continue the work of delivering the services our people depend on while keeping the government on stable financial footing,” Governor Bryan said.

Among the major appropriations approved are $66.5 million for the Virgin Islands Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation, $34.1 million for the University of the Virgin Islands and $32.5 million in General Fund support for the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority.

The Governor also approved $5 million in capital improvement funding for the territory's three islands. St. Croix will receive $2 million, while St. Thomas and St. John will each receive $1.5 million.

The funding is intended to support government operations and investments in public infrastructure, healthcare, education and other services that directly affect residents throughout the Virgin Islands.

Additional appropriations will support the Department of Education, Department of Public Works, transportation, tourism, elections, the Board of Education, the Career and Technical Education Board, the Office of the Inspector General, the Public Services Commission and several other government agencies and boards.

Bryan also signed legislation authorizing the reprogramming of previously appropriated funds for the Department of Education to address current and outstanding obligations involving the department and the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance.

Another measure revises the allocation of monies deposited into the Virgin Islands Water and Power Generating and Infrastructure Fund.

Separately, the Governor approved Bill No. 36-0389, ratifying renewals of the Government of the Virgin Islands' group life, accidental death and dismemberment, vision and medical health insurance plans. The legislation also addresses voluntary employee-paid coverage for critical illness, accidental injury and hospital care.

The FY2027 budget marks the final executive spending plan submitted by the Bryan-Roach Administration. When the proposed budget was transmitted to the Legislature in May, the administration identified infrastructure, recreation, housing, fiscal stability and continued economic development as key priorities.

Governor Bryan thanked members of the 36th Legislature for completing work on the budget and related legislation before the beginning of the new fiscal year.

“There will always be areas where the executive and legislative branches may approach an issue differently, but completing the budget is one of our most important shared responsibilities,” Bryan said. “What matters now is putting these resources to work effectively for the people we serve.”

With the new fiscal year underway, attention will now turn to how effectively the appropriated funds are distributed and used to address the needs of residents across St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John.