DOI assures rapid interagency agreements

U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Dirk Kemphthorne has assured CNMI Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio that his office is fully aware of the need for rapid interagency agreements with respect to the implementation of federalization law.

Office of Insular Affairs acting deputy assistant secretary Doug Domenech, on behalf of Kemphthorne, pointed out in his letter to Tenorio that Domenech is aware and shares the concern regarding initiation of the interagency agreement process as mandated by the law.

“The issue of interagency agreements is being discussed with officials in the four Federal agencies,” Domenech said.

Tenorio earlier requested the federal agencies to provide immediate interagency agreements between the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Labor, and Interior to process and coordinate decisions relating to the implementation of Public Law 110-229 (federalization law).

In a press statement yesterday, Tenorio said in his earlier letters to four federal agencies he pointed out that not only such agreements mandatory but they are to be utilized to develop procedures to ensure that CNMI employers have access to adequate labor.

The NMI’s Washington representative also underscored the importance for the tourists, students, retirees, and other visitors to have access to the Commonwealth without necessary delay or impediment.

He noted the intent of U.S. Congress to provide the CNMI with “as much flexibility as possible in maintaining existing businesses and other revenue sources, and developing new economic opportunities.”

Tenorio also recommended that the NMI governor be provided a significant role in the agreements.

“It is important that the Governor play a vital role in the implementation of this law, and not just during the development of the regulations but also during the entire transition period,” Tenorio said.

On Kempthorne’s response to his concerns, he said it is very encouraging to know that CNMI’s partners in the various federal agencies are cognizant of the Commonwealth’s unique needs and are actively discussing agreements aimed at implementing the positive reforms and economic diversification mandated by Public Law 110-229.

“This type of prompt active cooperation further illustrates the commitment of the Federal Government to continue working with all of us to ensure a smooth transition to a federal system in keeping with the responsibilities of the CNMI and the U.S. as defined in the Covenant,” Tenorio added.