Dallas-based Jacobs has been tapped to manage the recovery and reconstruction of critical infrastructure in the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of a multibillion-dollar federal recovery effort following back-to-back hurricanes in 2017.

The Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority has awarded Jacobs a $137 million program management contract to support the Rebuild USVI initiative, a sweeping plan to restore and strengthen essential public systems across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. The three-year deal, announced April 15, positions Jacobs to coordinate a wide range of projects, from healthcare and education facilities to transportation and utility networks.

The contract marks a significant move in the territory’s long-term recovery following the devastation caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria, which inflicted billions in damages and exposed the fragility of the islands’ infrastructure. As part of the agreement, Jacobs will collaborate with the U.S. Virgin Islands’ Super Project Management Office to manage the planning and execution of projects that include hospitals, schools, roadways, electrical systems, and water and wastewater infrastructure.

“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.”

In addition to project oversight, Jacobs will also provide advisory and consulting services in areas such as environmental compliance, logistics, supply chain coordination, and workforce development. The firm’s responsibilities will include navigating complex regulatory requirements and ensuring that recovery projects align with long-term resilience goals.

The selection of Jacobs reflects the firm’s extensive experience in program management and infrastructure resilience, as well as its proven capabilities in navigating large-scale recovery efforts. The company has recently ramped up its focus in sectors like water infrastructure and environmental services—areas that are central to the Virgin Islands' recovery.

Jacobs CEO Bob Pragada noted earlier this year that despite concerns over tariffs and global trade tensions, the company is experiencing strong demand in core sectors such as water and advanced facilities. The Virgin Islands project adds to Jacobs' growing portfolio of large-scale infrastructure management contracts.

Adrienne Williams-Octalien, director of the Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR), said Jacobs was selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of its pricing, resources, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships.

“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.

The ODR, which oversees $23 billion in federal disaster recovery funding, has been tasked with ensuring that the territory’s reconstruction efforts stay on schedule, within budget, and aligned with federal mandates. With the addition of Jacobs, officials hope to accelerate project delivery timelines and streamline coordination among federal, territorial, and local agencies.

The Rebuild USVI initiative is viewed as a critical step toward modernizing the Virgin Islands' aging infrastructure and creating a more disaster-resilient future for its residents and economy.

Originally Reported By Sebastian Obando in Construction Dive.