US Coast Guard backs CPA request for add’l funding

The U.S Coast Guard Forces Micronesia – Sector Guam has written to the U.S Department of Transportation to support the Commonwealth Ports Authority’s recent request for supplemental funding to keep the agency afloat until fiscal year 2026.

Capt. Nicholas Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia – Sector Guam, has personally written to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to support CPA and its request for funding to continue operating the CNMI’s ports of entry.

CPA is asking the U.S. DOT for a total of $30 million in supplemental funding—$15 million for fiscal year 2024 and $15 million for fiscal year 2025. CPA believes this amount will keep the CNMI’s ports in operation until fiscal year 2026.

Simmons stated in his letter that the maritime transportation system facilities within CPA remain the only cost-effective means of importing critical food, medical supplies, equipment, and other essential goods to the islands.

“Continuous unimpeded port operations to facilitate the flow of commerce is critical not only to the island communities the ports serve, but is equally important to sustaining the markedly increased Department of Defense footprint within the greater Marianas chain. Given the stark fiscal projections affecting the airports within the CPA, it is merely a matter of time before any reprogramming of the CNMI government’s operational funds begin to impact the seaports. As the Captain of the Port for both CNMI and Guam, I have grave concerns regarding potential port funding reductions and the subsequent cascading effects this could have within our area of responsibility,” he said. “Recognizing CNMI’s strategic importance, not only to national security interests, but also to the efficiency of the national supply chain and its U.S. carriers operating in the Pacific, I am reiterating my full support of CPA’s effort and look forward to your agency’s positive response.”

Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach of the U.S. Air Force, commander of the Pacific Air Forces, has also written in support of CPA’s need for funding.

“I am very interested in preserving the viability of air and seaports across [the] CNMI, and I’m deeply concerned about the economic trends outlined in your letter to Secretary Buttigieg.  As Pacific Air Forces commander, I have consistently advocated for increased investment in CNMI ports, and I’m excited about the many ongoing projects across this vital region,” he said.

Currently, PACAF has $444 million of on-going Investment at Tinian International Airport.

Additionally, PACAF is continuing to partner with the CPA on potential near-term investments at the Tinian North Field, Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, and Rota International Airport.

“While these investments might not directly address some of the concerns in your letter, I think PACAF’s investments will rebuild some of the infrastructure damaged by Super Typhoon Yutu, increase overall operational capacity, generate jobs and revenue for the local communities, and ultimately posture CNMI for future increases in tourism. PACAF will continue to work with the CPA to shape investments across CNMI, and I will continue to advocate to preserve the operational viability of your ports through INDOPACOM and Air Force-channels,” he said.