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NMC optimistic on CIP funding
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Posted on Jul 24 2000
The Northern Marianas College is hopeful it can finally expedite construction of the much needed school facilities as the Governor’s Office recently pledged to assist the college identify resources to fund its Capital Improvement Project priorities.
The college has recently submitted to the governor a CIP budget request totaling $11.3 million mainly for its proposed general purpose classroom and library.
As it stands, NMC’s full-time equivalents share one common library, which according to President Jack Sablan, is being utilized to its maximum capacity.
Though the college closely competes with all agencies for a share in the government’s 702 funds, Mr. Sablan expressed optimism that it will secure the adequate amount as local leaders have reportedly pledged their support to assist the college in this endeavor.
The installation of a much more comprehensive library complete with resources is highly needed by the college in preparation for its plans to offer four-year baccalaureate degrees in Education, as mandated by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Aside from the multipurpose classroom and the library with archive, included in NMC’s immediate priorities is the second phase of the multipurpose gymnasium.
Work is also now underway for improvements at NMC’s satellite center on Tinian.
An NMC-commissioned economic study indicates that the 1998 CIP and Educational Specifications Plan for the college for the years 1998-2004 calls for the establishment of a business and tourism learning center in Saipan which is estimated to cost some $9.7 million.
It also plans for phase two of the multi-purpose gymnasium with estimated cost of $1.3 million, and the multi-storey building to house the library collection as well as the archives and Pacific collection with an estimated $3.3 million.
The plan also includes a facility to house baccalaureate degree program in Education with an estimated cost of $1.6 million as well as student center and bookstore with an estimated cost of $300,000.
Improvement of parking, drainage, and landscaping, with an estimated cost of $300,000, was also cited in the NMC’s 1998 CIP plan. (MM)
