10/21/2026
Frederiksted Fish Market Set for $1.9 Million Rehabilitation Plan as Lawmakers Advance Funding
Proposed $600,000 appropriation would supplement federal funding for reconstruction, while earlier community plans envisioned a revitalized marketplace supporting fishermen, food security and local economic growth.
FREDERIKSTED, St. Croix — A long-awaited effort to rehabilitate the Frederiksted Fish Market has moved another step forward, with lawmakers advancing legislation that would provide $600,000 in additional funding toward a project estimated to cost as much as $2 million.
The proposed funding, approved for advancement by the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance on October 20, 2026, would supplement $1.3 million in anticipated federal funding secured by the Nature Association of the Virgin Islands (NAVI).
Bill No. 36-0335, sponsored by Senator Hubert L. Frederick, would appropriate the additional money from the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund to the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR). The measure would also allow DPNR to subgrant the funds to coordinate the rehabilitation effort with NAVI.
The legislation is moving to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.
The proposed appropriation is not yet a completed construction project, and the federal funding remains subject to an environmental review.
The project calls for demolishing the existing market and rebuilding it at its current location along the Frederiksted waterfront.
During Tuesday's hearing, DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol supported the additional appropriation, explaining that the project's estimated cost ranges from $1.3 million to $2 million.
The current concept includes a main building of approximately 900 to 1,000 square feet, with an additional mezzanine of approximately 230 to 250 square feet. Proposed facilities include six stations for cleaning and weighing fish, along with desalination and wastewater systems.
The design could change to accommodate additional space and restrooms requested during historic-preservation review.
However, questions remain about the project's final cost, permitting requirements and long-term operating expenses. Officials have also acknowledged that a plan for disposing of fish waste has not been finalized.
These details will be important in determining whether the completed market can operate safely, efficiently and affordably for local fishermen.
The latest funding proposal follows earlier community-planning efforts to reimagine the Frederiksted Fish Market as more than a place to sell and prepare seafood.
A design workshop led by To Be Done Studio, working with Ki Design Workshop, Clean Sweep Frederiksted, community members, DPNR and the Citizens' Institute on Rural Design, explored a concept for an outdoor fish and produce market combined with a community gathering space.
The initiative identified four priorities: supporting commercial fishermen and the fishing industry, reflecting Frederiksted's culture, strengthening food security, and creating a design that respects the area's historical and architectural character.
The concept also included a shaded outdoor pavilion for community activities and an open architectural design intended to accommodate the Caribbean climate.
These were earlier design concepts, not confirmation that every feature will be included in the current reconstruction plan.
The distinction is important for residents who want to know whether the final project will deliver a full community marketplace or a smaller facility focused primarily on commercial fishing operations.
