Date: November 16, 2017

Contacts: Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke met with Governor Kenneth Mapp of the United States Virgin Islands to discuss hurricane response and recovery.

"Recovering from natural disasters requires a team effort, and the Department of the Interior is absolutely committed to helping the Virgin Islands return to normal," said Secretary Zinke. "Our Insular Affairs team has been working around the clock to provide relief to those ravaged by hurricane, and we will continue these efforts in the weeks and months to come. It was great to meet with Governor Mapp today about the work we've done to date, as well as what is left to be done. The Trump Administration and the government of the Virgin Islands are in close collaboration with one another to coordinate recovery efforts."

The Secretary and Governor Mapp discussed many topics and concerns regarding Hurricane relief, such as the re-opening of Virgin Islands National Park on the Island of St. John. Governor Mapp outlined the robust recovery effort taking place, and gave first-hand accounts of how the Islands are clearing debris, restoring power, and opening schools.

"Our recovery efforts with our federal partners has truly been productive. We have made great strides since being hit by two category five hurricanes, and the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands are benefiting from our partnership," said Governor Mapp. "We look forward to our continued working relationship with the Department of the Interior and other federal agencies as we we build a better, stronger, and more resilient United States Virgin Islands."

Secretary Zinke stressed the importance of a continued working relationship with the Governor of the Virgin Islands to bring the Islands back to full strength.