Network switch/UPS infrastructure upgrade phase 1 the virgin islands water and power authority (wapa) is requesting funding for phase 1 of a critical infrastructure upgrade to its network switch and…

The Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority (WAPA) received a $380,600 Project Grant award on November 1, 2025, from the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs under the Economic, Social, and Political Development of the Territories program (CFDA 15.875). The grant funds Phase 1 of a critical infrastructure upgrade focused on replacing end-of-life network switches and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems at key WAPA facilities throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands. The project will install modern, scalable equipment that meets current cybersecurity and reliability standards, addressing urgent gaps identified in a recent cybersecurity audit and mitigating exposure to cyber threats and operational disruptions.

As the sole provider of electricity and potable water in the U.S. Virgin Islands, WAPA's existing infrastructure requires modernization to protect operational assets, customer data, and internal communications networks. The upgrade will strengthen digital infrastructure resilience, reduce cybersecurity vulnerability, and ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards. The project is scheduled for completion by September 30, 2030, with performance taking place across the territory's service areas.

Network switch/UPS infrastructure upgrade phase 1 the virgin islands water and power authority (wapa) is requesting funding for phase 1 of a critical infrastructure upgrade to its network switch and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. As the sole utility provider for electricity and potable water in the U.S. Virgin islands, wapa must maintain secure, reliable, and efficient IT and operational technology systems. Many of the authority's existing switches have reached end-of-life (EOL) status and no longer receive vendor support or critical security patches. This leaves essential infrastructure exposed to cybersecurity threats and potential operational disruptions. Phase 1 of this multi-phased effort will focus on replacing outdated switches and UPS systems at key sites with modern, scalable equipment that meets current cybersecurity and reliability standards. The project will address urgent gaps identified in a recent cybersecurity audit and position wapa to better protect its operational assets, customer data, and internal communications network. Cybersecurity and network resiliency are foundational to the safe, reliable operation of wapa's power and water systems. With key infrastructure components reaching end-of-life and no longer receiving manufacturer support, immediate action is required to mitigate growing risks. The funding requested will enable wapa to proactively strengthen its digital infrastructure, reduce cyber exposure, and ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards.