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Yumul supports IRP application for a TAP grant
Ray N. Yumul
Ray N. Yumul, in his capacity as Department of Public Works acting secretary, has expressed strong support for the CNMI Infrastructure and Recovery Program’s application for a Technical Assistance Program grant from the Office of Insular Affairs.
In a letter last Feb. 13 to Carmen Cantor, assistant secretary for Insular and International Affairs of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s OIA, Yumul said that IRP has been instrumental in providing technical permitting assistance to complete government infrastructure and disaster recovery projects in the CNMI.
He said the TAP grant will enable the IRP to continue providing technical permitting assistance for government offices to complete the federal and local permitting requirements such as archaeological and biological assessments as well as construction monitoring for these projects.
Yumul said that, since IRP’s inception, they have worked closely with the staff of DPW’s Technical Services Division to ensure that various construction projects are progressing on time to meet grant requirements.
The acting DPS secretary said the CNMI has been facing significant challenges in the aftermath of several natural disasters that have severely damaged the infrastructure and economy of the region.
Yumul said that IRP has played a crucial role in supporting infrastructure development, providing the necessary technical and administrative support to complete infrastructure projects.
He said IRP has a proven track record of delivering results and has proven that they are dedicated to helping the DPW meet its project milestones and timeline.
“I am confident that with this grant, IRP will be able to continue their important work,” Yumul said.
He added that his grant will help ensure that the CNMI can continue to make progress in its recovery efforts and build a stronger, more resilient future.
Former governor Ralph DLG Torres created the IRP in May 2021 to streamline the process and expedite federally-funded projects worth nearly a billion dollars for different government agencies.
