Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has submitted legislation to the 36th Legislature that would authorize a private agreement to rebuild the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix and restore horse racing to the territory without requiring direct taxpayer funding.
The proposal signals a potential shift in how the Virgin Islands may finance major infrastructure projects in the years ahead. As the territory pursues billions in long-term improvements—from ferry service between islands to road reconstruction—the racetrack deal demonstrates that officials are exploring creative financing arrangements that bypass traditional government appropriations.
For years, the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack sat dormant, its facility deteriorating while racing operations ceased. The facility represents both a cultural institution on St. Croix and a potential revenue stream if operational. The new agreement would transfer reconstruction responsibility to a private entity or partnership, shifting the burden away from the government’s general fund at a time when USVI finances remain strained.
The timing of the racetrack proposal overlaps with other major infrastructure initiatives across the territory. In June, Governor Bryan announced the closing of a $150 million bond financing agreement that will fund ferry service between St. Croix and St. Thomas, complete phases of Veterans Drive on St. Thomas, and support road improvements on St. Croix. Those projects represent the largest coordinated infrastructure push in recent years.
The difference in funding mechanisms is notable. While the bond deal relies on future revenue streams to service debt, the racetrack agreement appears designed to tap private investment entirely. This approach could provide a blueprint for other projects where private operators might assume financial and operational risk.
St. Croix residents have watched the racetrack facility deteriorate for an extended period. Horse racing once drew spectators, generated local employment, and contributed to the island’s cultural calendar. Rebuilding the track would restore those elements while requiring no new direct government spending, a politically attractive proposition during times of fiscal constraint.
The 36th Legislature will now review the proposed agreement. Lawmakers will need to determine whether the terms adequately protect public interests while enabling private investment. Key questions likely include what revenue-sharing arrangements exist, how long the private operator’s agreement extends, and whether the public retains ownership of the facility.
The racetrack deal also sits within the broader context of the USVI’s 2050 Transportation Master Plan, which outlines long-term infrastructure and mobility priorities for all three islands. While racing is not typically classified as transportation infrastructure, the underlying principle of tapping non-traditional funding sources applies across the territory’s aging infrastructure network.
Road conditions, ferry reliability, and transportation connectivity remain top concerns for residents across St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The federal bond financing addresses some of these needs, but the islands require ongoing investment beyond current appropriations to modernize aging systems.
If the racetrack agreement succeeds in delivering a rebuilt facility without government expenditure, administrators may pursue similar models for other revenue-generating assets or public-private partnerships. The outcome of this legislative review could influence how the territory approaches infrastructure financing for years to come.
The Legislature’s action on the racetrack legislation will likely preview the government’s broader appetite for alternative funding mechanisms as the USVI pursues its infrastructure modernization agenda.
