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New EIS comment deadline: Aug. 17
The Marine Corp Forces Pacific has extended by 14 days the public comment period on U.S. military live-fire training plans on Tinian and Pagan. Acting governor Ralph DLG Torres had requested an extension to allow the public more time to access the Internet for research and to submit comments online.
The request came amid the telecommunications crisis that halted Internet services to a crawl.
MARFORPAC executive director Craig Whelden granted the extension last week.
In a letter to Torres, Whelden said he was aware that Typhoon Nangka had an adverse impact on the CNMI and the resulting challenges the community was facing, particularly concerning communications infrastructure.
As such, Whelden granted the 14-day extension. The new date for the public comment period to end is Aug. 17.
The public is urged to comment on military plans before the deadline. Public comment is an integral part of the National Environmental Policy Act process, which compels federal agencies to make clear their plans and its impacts to a community and the environment.
“I am glad the Department of Defense and Marine Forces Pacific recognized the difficult circumstances the CNMI has experienced in the recent weeks. A key component of the NEPA process is public involvement, which relies heavily on Internet access,” Torres said in a statement.
“Without online access to documents and resources regarding the CJMT project, true and productive comments from the residents of our islands would have been hampered, affecting our ability to accurately voice the many concerns about the proposed activities. The NEPA process is unique in that it gives every person in the CNMI an opportunity to effect change to federal government policies and plans. Every resident has a strong voice, and I sincerely hope every resident uses it. If anyone would like to learn about the CJMT proposed actions or would like to submit a comment to the Navy about your concerns, support, or opposition, I strongly encourage you visit the CNMI government website on the project, www.cnmieis.org.”
