(a) It is declared to be the policy of the Virgin Islands to undertake and pursue an active urban renewal program for the elimination and for the prevention of the development or spread of slums and blight in the several communities of the Virgin Islands, within the contemplation of the Housing Act of 1949, as amended, and of any other applicable Federal or Virgin Islands laws, to include slum clearance and redevelopment, rehabilitation or conservation, or any combination or part thereof, and any other activities designed for the development of communities in the Virgin Islands, to eliminate and prevent slum and blight, and to assure sound community growth.
(b) To the greatest extent feasible in carrying out the provisions of this chapter, maximum opportunity, consistent with the sound needs of a community as a whole, shall be afforded for the rehabilitation or redevelopment of an urban renewal area by private enterprise. The Government of the United States Virgin Islands, the Authority and all other public agencies and bodies shall give consideration to this objective in exercising any powers under this chapter, including the formulation of a workable program, the preparation and approval of urban renewal plans (consistent with the general plan of a community), the exercise and enforcement of powers as provided for in chapter 61 of Title 19, the exercise of zoning powers, the enforcement of other laws, codes, and regulations relating to the use of land and occupancy of buildings and improvements, the disposition of property acquired, and the provision of necessary public improvements.