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US House OKs bill that provides $78M for 3 Tinian divert projects
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Posted on Jul 17 2023
The U.S. House of Representatives approved Friday a legislation that allocates benefits for the Marianas, including $78 million for three previously authorized Tinian airport divert projects.
With the Houses’ approval of H.R. 2670, or the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, the bill now heads to the Senate for consideration, according to Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP).
In his e-kilili newsletter over the weekend, Sablan said the annual defense bill authorizes $886.3 billion to support service members and bolster the U.S. military. The bill includes several provisions specifically beneficial to the CNMI.
Off the $78 million appropriated for the Tinian Airport Divert Project, $26 million will be for airfield development phase 1, $20 million for fuel tanks with pipeline and hydrant, and $32 million for a parking apron, Sablan said.
He said the bill also has a report language directing the U.S. Department of Defense to ensure that students applying to the service academies can receive required medical examinations in the Marianas.
Additional provisions include a 5.2% pay raise for service members, expanded basic needs allowance to assist low-income service members supporting a family, and reduced childcare fees for military families.
The delegate said other provision is the continuation of the Pacific Deterrence Initiative to deter conflict in the Indo-Pacific region.
