More technical assistance funding sought for CNMI

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Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) has offered an amendment to increase technical assistance funding for the CNMI and other U.S. insular areas.

In his weekly e-newsletter, Sablan said the Northern Marianas and other U.S. insular areas would get $5 million more in technical assistance funding under an amendment he offered during a House debate on the fiscal 2016 Interior and Environment appropriation this week.

Sablan offered the amendment to House Resolution 28-22.

The House Appropriations Committee has proposed keeping funding at current levels for the Assistance to Territories program, the e-newsletter said.

“But as I told my colleagues, the Department of the Interior needs additional resources to continue and complete multi-year projects that help the territories to develop economically and become more self-sufficient,” Sablan said.

The lawmaker added that sustainable energy projects, school infrastructure upgrades, and the Coral Reef Initiative are just a few examples of Interior programs “that require continued investment.”

Sablan said, “Interior Appropriations Subcommittee chairman Ken Calvert (R-CA) reluctantly opposed the amendment but offered to work with me to find the additional funding.”

“The House will vote on my amendment when it returns after the July 4 recess,” Sablan in his weekly update said.

Joel D. Pinaroc | Reporter
Joel Pinaroc worked for a number of newspapers in the Philippines before joining the editorial team of Saipan Tribune. His published articles include stories on information technology, travel and lifestyle, and motoring, among others. Contact him at joel_pinaroc@saipantribune.com.

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