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DLNR working with DPL over proposed dock in Puerto Rico
The Department of Lands and Natural Resources will work with Department of Public Lands to clarify jurisdictions over a proposed lease for a dock in Puerto Rico, according DLNR Secretary Richard Seman.
DPL has proposed a lease for Pacific Marine Enterprises to operate and manage a marine facility and construct and operate a concrete loading and offloading dock for vessels at a site in Puerto Rico.
The Commonwealth Ports Authority has objected to the lease, according to CPA lawyer Robert Torres in a board meeting last week. Torres cited CPA statute for its jurisdiction over ports and harbors.
Seman, for DLNR’s part, said they do not object to the proposed lease between PME and DPL.
“Our preliminary concern with the proposed lease is that DLNR was not mentioned in it despite the fact that we have jurisdiction with regard to submerged land and submerged land leases,” he said.
“DPL and DLNR along with our respective legal counsels have already met with our governor and all agreed to support each other and that we have a better and clearer responsibilities and respective jurisdictions.
“DLNR does support the proposed lease and that we will be working out our required submerged land lease agreement when it is time to do so. However, we do respect CPA’s concern,” Seman told Saipan Tribune.
The term of the proposed lease with PME is 25 years.
According to a copy of the lease, the public land is adjacent to the Tanapag Lagoon.
