Commerce, grants office get new cars, thanks to USDA

To improve public services provided by Department of Commerce and the Office of Grants Management, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded grants to both offices to acquire official vehicles. The grants were under the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant Program

Joseph Diego, USDA Area II Director of Guam, announced the awards early this year to promote efficiency and enforcement efforts in the region. 

According to Commerce Secretary Mark O. Rabauliman, the USDA Rural Development Office has been instrumental in improving public services though funding assistance.

“Commerce extends its appreciation of Joseph Diego and USDA Rural Development of Guam. They have been supportive in providing assistance with USDA grant programs,” Rabauliman said.

Epiphanio E. Cabrera Jr., administrator for the Office of Grants Management, said that the availability of an official vehicle will help improve OGM’s efficiency while providing added mobility.

“Many times our office receives inquiries that require more than a simple phone call. It is crucial and often more suitable to meet with different departments for a site visit to research and better understand needs when producing a new grant proposal or dealing with financial compliance,” Cabrera said. “OGM is extremely appreciative of the support extended from the USDA Rural Development Office and the team of USDA Area II Director Joseph Diego and we look forward to their continued support as we endeavor in improving our government services.”

The USDA Rural Development Office provided previous assistance under the Rural Business Enterprise Grant, which funded the 2012 CNMI’s Economic Restoration Symposium.

Under the USDA Community Facilities Grant, Commerce has also procured one vehicle for daily operational activities.

“Adding to our vehicle pool, this will assist our personnel and allow Commerce to facilitate the programs to the community. The vehicle will be used for administrative and enforcement purposes such as business development and economic and labor enhancement for the benefit of the whole community. The administration appreciates all the assistance and expresses its profound gratitude as we continue to strengthen our working relationship with USDA and the CNMI’s rural development and economic needs,” Rabauliman said.

USDA Rural Development is an agency with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which runs programs intended to improve the economy and quality of life offering loans, grants and loan guarantees to support essential services such as housing, economic development, health care, first responder services and equipment, and water, electric and communications infrastructure. (Office of the Governor)