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Flores eyes Interior’s help to build ballfields
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Posted on Feb 07 2012
By Clarissa David
Reporter
Reporter
Saipan Mayor Donald G. Flores has sought the aid of the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs for his proposal to build baseball fields that will be used by visiting professional teams from Japan and Korea for pre-season training.
Flores said Friday that he has sent letters to Assistant Interior Secretary Tony Babauta and OIA Director Nick Pula informing them about the plan that he described as a “build-it-and-they-will-come” strategy.
“Our Commonwealth has the opportunity to lock in long term use of our sports facilities by professional sports teams, if such facilities were available right here on our island of Saipan,” Flores wrote in his letter, a copy of which was obtained by Saipan Tribune.
The mayor earlier wrote to Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and other officials so that the government could designate a public land in the northern part of the island “near the current off-road racetrack and land field in Marpi,” which he said is best for these ballfields.
Many professional teams from Japan and Korea have made the island their traditional pre-season training site.
Building the baseball fields would bring in more economic opportunities for the island since these professional teams have an entourage of family members, fans, and media.
Flores noted that he is looking for potential funding sources for the construction of the baseball fields. “We hope you and your office may be able to assist us in this regard, and guide us forward in applying for grants and other financial assistance to help us with the cost of constructions,” said Flores in his letter to Interior.
Flores also plans to ask for financial assistance from CNMI Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan.
