Jacobs lands $137M contract to manage US Virgin Islands rebuild

Jacobs is heading to the Caribbean to help steer an infrastructure rebuild effort across the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Dallas-based construction company recently secured a $137 million program management contract from the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, according to an April 15 news release. The deal supports the Rebuild USVI initiative, the territory’s recovery plan following the damages of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

Under the three-year agreement, Jacobs will work alongside the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Super Project Management Office to guide the recovery and reconstruction of critical infrastructure across St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. That includes hospitals, schools, roads, power infrastructure, and water and wastewater utilities, according to the release.

“The islands are home to nearly 90,000 people who depend on safe schools, reliable transportation, consistent utility services and access to healthcare,” said Ron Williams, executive vice president at Jacobs. “Further, with tourism as the economic engine, it’s essential we prioritize efforts quickly and make the islands’ infrastructure more resilient for the future.”

Jacobs will also provide advisory and consulting services related to project planning, environmental management, logistics, supply chain and workforce challenges, according to the company.

The award adds to Jacobs’ recent momentum in the infrastructure and water space. CEO Bob Pragada said earlier this year that the firm continues to see strong demand across key sectors, including water, environmental services and advanced facilities, despite tariff-related concerns.

The Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority’s Office of Disaster Recovery, which manages $23 billion in federal recovery funds for the Virgin Islands, selected Jacobs based on its pricing, resources, technical expertise and strategic partnerships, said Adrienne Williams-Octalien, ODR director.

“We are excited to have Jacobs’ support as we continue working to rebuild a stronger, more resilient community while ensuring full compliance with our funding requirements,” said Williams-Octalien.