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House reviews proposed DLNR-Sea Touch submerged lands lease deal
A proposed submerged lands lease agreement between the Department of Lands and Natural Resources and Sea Touch LLC for a $1.125-million facility for marine animal encounters and associated activities is now before the House of Representatives for review and consideration.
The Legislature has exclusive right to approve, disapprove, or modify the provisions of any development lease or water-dependent use of submerged lands, and all leases are required to be approved by law.
On June 30, DLNR Secretary Arnold I. Palacios submitted to the House and Senate for their review and approval the terms and conditions of DLNR’s submerged lands lease agreement for Sea Touch.
Palacios recommends approval of the proposed land lease deal.
Sea Touch plans to invest some $1.125 million for its business, which aims to provide interactive marine activities, marine animal encounters, and associated activities. This will require building a floating dock behind Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan in Garapan that will extend about 140 feet from the shore.
House Speaker Joseph Deleon Guerrero (Ind-Saipan) introduced House Bill 18-198, which seeks to approve the lease agreement. He referred the bill to the House Natural Resources Committee for review and recommendation. The committee is also expected to conduct its own public hearings.
DLNR, in its letter to the Legislature, spoke of strong community support for Sea Touch’s project “mainly as it provides an opportunity for a novel tourist attraction” in the CNMI.
Palacios said some concerns were raised regarding the project’s identified location, wherein Sea Touch Saipan presented findings from assessments leading to the identification of the project location.
“With thorough examination and careful consideration, DLNR finds that the Sea Touch Saipan proposed project will not adversely affect the protection, preservation and uses of marine resources,” Palacios told the speaker and Senate President Ralph Torres (R-Saipan).
If and when the House approves the proposed lease agreement, the bill still has to go to the Senate for action.
