Richards denies land use plan is being rushed

By TANYA MANNES
Wednesday, October 6th 2004

ST. JOHN - Sen. Usie Richards, the sponsor of the latest draft of a proposed V.I. Land and Water Use Plan, defended the plan Tuesday against charges that it is being rushed through the legislative process.

More than 40 residents attended the fifth and final town meeting - the only one on St. John - on the plan and raised concerns about its impact, particularly on Coral Bay.

Responding to concerns raised at the four earlier town meetings, Richards described the 18-month governmental process that led up to his introducing the revised legislation five months ago.

The previous document, developed with extensive public input in the early 1990s, was dusted off, revised with new data, shared with the executive branch, and reviewed by legal counsel before it could be assigned to a committee, Richards said.

Lawmakers decided to hold public hearings, further lengthening the process, he said.

"We have done all that we can to provide an opportunity for public participation in this process," Richards said.

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