3405

(a) A special fund to be known as the 'Storm Claims Fund' shall be set aside in the Treasury of the Virgin Islands, and the Legislature shall include annually in the budget of the Department of Finance an appropriation for such Fund sufficient to enable the Commissioner of Finance to pay claims in accordance with the provisions of this section.\n(b) Claims for money damages of $5,000.00 or less against the Government of the United States Virgin Islands occurring on or after May 1, 1969, for injury or loss of property as a result of storms, floods or unusual weather conditions may be considered, ascertained, adjusted, determined and settled in the same manner and under the same conditions as provided in section 3402 of this chapter, provided however that the Departments of Public Works and Property and Procurement shall assist the Attorney General in the investigation and determination of claims presented to the Governor under the provisions of this section.