CPA help in Northern Islands dev’t sought

Northern Islands Mayor Joseph T. Ogumoro is seeking the assistance of the Commonwealth Ports Authority in realizing the proposed development of the four islands north of Saipan through the construction of transport facilities in the area.

Mr. Ogumoro’s office recently came up with an economic blueprint for the islands of Anatahan, Alamagan, Pagan and Agrigan expected to pave the road for the smooth resettlement of displaced Northern Islands residents.

But the mayor pointed out that the proposed development could not be made possible in the absence of reliable transportation system, as he asked CPA’s technical and funding assistance in the construction of port facilities there.

‘[This would] enable the successful resettlement of the Northern Islands residents and to initiate economic development and related activities in the CNMI’s northern frontier,” he told CPA Board Chair Roman S. Palacios and Executive Director Carlos H. Salas in a letter.

Specifically, Mr. Ogumoro is asking CPA authorization to construct a new seaplane ramp and accompanying passenger and cargo terminals on Saipan for use as the docking or staging area for passenger and cargo ferries t and from the Northern Islands.

NIMO is also seeking CPA assistance in securing federal and local funds for the construction, renovation and improvement of the Pagan Airport runway to accommodate daily commuter flights as called for under the Northern Islands Development Plan.

The Development Plan includes a proposed legislation to authorize the government to borrow up to $15 million for the purpose of purchasing passenger and cargo vessels, and the construction of port facilities in the area.

According to Mr. Ogumoro, there is a need to construct basic air and sea port facilities, as well as other infrastructure projects, in the Northern Islands to clear the road for its economic growth.

Airport facilities in the Northern Marianas are under direct supervision by the Federal Aviation Administration, which sets the standards for new and ongoing projects that relate to air transport facilities.

Mr. Ogumoro previously expressed confidence private investors would be willing to undertake the infrastructure projects in the Northern Islands since current economic conditions cripple the government from coughing out funds to carry out the construction.

NIMO has also been working at initiating commercial land leases and other economic development programs in any of the four northern islands, while stressing that this can only be possible through the construction of air and sea transport facilities.

Mr. Ogumoro is also seeking the assistance of the United States Navy and the defense department in the rehabilitation of the Pagan Airport Runway in efforts to reinstate day-time commercial commuter operations on the island.

He said rehabilitation of the Pagan Commuter Airport and the construction of a Seaplane Ramp will help in the safe and successful resettlement of the group of islands north of Saipan, as well as initiate economic development programs and activities.

Mr. Ogumoro also raised the possibility of the U.S. Navy and the DRMO helping the Northern Islands Mayor Office’s efforts to build other transport facilities on Anatahan, Alamagan and Agrigan.

The project outcome, Mr. Ogumoro pointed out, will have a significant and profound impact in the improvement of the CNMI’s overall economy and the Northern Islanders’ standard of living.