New law cuts red tape in DPL

The politics of public land management in the CNMI has assumed a crucial transformation with the implementation of a new law that makes it an independent body under the Commonwealth executive branch.

The Division of Public Lands, formerly an agency under the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, has transitioned to the Office of Public Land, placing direct authority on the Board of Public Lands all public land management powers and responsibilities.

The landmark transition from DPL to OPL is expected to sweep long, drawn-out processes of red tape within the system and fast-track more public land projects, according to OPL Administrator Bertha C. Deleon Guerrero.

“Now everything is all under the BPL management. It would cut red tape, as far as bureaucracy is concerned. From here, the transactions are directly with the board whereas before it had to go through the department secretary, Finance,…it was just endless,” she said.

Numerous delays in public lands’ homestead projects were due to tedious procurement regulations where all contracts had to garner an average of 8 signatures from various agency heads before projects could ground break.

“The delays were mostly due to pending studies or permit requirements that have to be secured. So in this regard, the issue on routing our paperwork would be faster. But in actuality, the issue on the speedy delivery of projects is really dependent on the availability of expertise we need to get the project moving,” Ms. Deleon Guerrero said.

In its first 2001 BPL management meeting, OPL is expected to adopt and establish certain policies and procedures as mandated by the law. The meeting has been tentatively set for Jan. 18.

Public law 12-33 or the law amending P.L. 10-57 was created to place BPL and the DPL as a single independent agency within the Governor.

The Legislature sought amendments to existing regulations upon findings that inherent conflicts exist by placing BPL and DPL under DLNR. The DLNR secretary is required to implement policies put forth by the board, however, he too must implement policies of the administration.

Potential differences arise when BPL and the administration’s policies are inconsistent. According to legislators, by separating BPL and DPL from DLNR, such conflicts would be avoided and ensure that public land policy is dictated by an independent board.

The board’s powers and responsibilities, which remains the same from P.L. 10-57, include direct responsibility over the management, use, and disposition of submerged lands off the coast and surface lands of the Commonwealth.

BPL is composed of five directors appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall set policy with respect to public lands for the benefit of the people of the Commonwealth who are of Northern Marianas descent.

The Public Lands Administrator shall carry out the policies of the board concerning matters under its jurisdiction.