An Island Running Low on Fuel
Not only is the US mainland in a fuel crunch, the islands are experiencing a ripple effect in gas shortages with the elevated price of fuel. For the US Virgin Islands, the fiscal year is closing, and the government is over $190,000 in-debt to fuel vendors, with funds zapped before the year has ended. Now there are 300 vehicles and counting out of gas on St. Thomas and St. John.
Governor Charles Turnbull called the US Senate in to special session Friday to consider a bill to appropriate an extra $1 million to offset skyrocketing gas prices, and on Monday the Senate finalized a $614 million FY 2006 budget for the US Virgin Islands that awaits Turnbull’s signature.
Everyone is working hard to see to it that the budget for fuel does not run out next year, but who can anticipate the future of fuel in such a volatile world environment?
Interestingly enough, a new personal transportation venue has been introduced in the islands this week. It is called the Segway Human Transporter , and it is a self-balancing personal transportation vehicle designed to go anywhere you go. It resembles a personal scooter, but it runs on electricity and can be re-charged in any wall outlet. Island legislators are looking into the Segway transporters as a viable option for the new “island car” of the future.
Comments
That is interesting that local officials in the Virgin Islands are looking into alternate means of transportation. Being an island, I would imagine that if everyone drove, traffic could get really backed up. Having means of personal electric transportation, with Segway or some other provider is a cool and innovative idea! I am curious to see what develops. Has anyone ever tried to drive a Segway? What's it like?? How fast can you go?
Posted by: Liz | October 5, 2005 12:55 PM