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DPW commended for effective funding management
The CNMI Department of Public Works has been commended once again by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration after the submission of their quarterly obligations report.
According to Highway Administrator Lorraine Seman, this is the second time the FHWA has commended DPW for its execution and proper management for overall project funding.
“DPW received a 0.1 percentage rating for inactive obligations which is well below the expected national goal level of 2 percent. In the region, we’ve surpassed Guam, which is at 14.4 percent, and American Samoa at 22.8 percent, respectively. The first time we received recognition was in mid-August of last year in which we also achieved 0.1 percent. We are very pleased we are maintaining this momentum,” Seman said.
Secretary of Public Works James A. Ada added that the territorial funding from FHWA goes toward transportation improvement projects island-wide.
“Our divisions have been in consistent collaboration to get these projects completed to improve the safety of our highways and to meet federal standards. We hope to continue to fulfill our commitment and stewardship between FWHA and meet our infrastructural needs on all three islands. I commend the Technical Services Division Highway Branch personnel for all their hard work and commitment,” Ada said.
Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres expressed that meeting the federal standards for projects strengthen infrastructure opportunities moving forward.
“I am very pleased that DPW is on the road again. Federal highway funding has been instrumental in improving our islands’ infrastructure, and I thank DPW for maintaining and even surpassing their authorized obligations,” Torres said.
The Federal Highway Administration provides stewardship over the construction, maintenance, and preservation of the Nation’s highways, bridges and tunnels. FHWA also conducts research and provides technical assistance to state and local agencies in an effort to improve safety, mobility, and livability, and to encourage innovation. At the same time, federal highway funds may be reduced, suspended, diverted or approval of new federal funds may be withheld should a state or territory continue to fail to meet the 2 percent national inactivity requirement within its 12 months authorized obligation. (PR)
