‘Remember Rota when divvying up highway funds’

Sen. Paul Manglona has called on the Department of Public Works to bear in mind Route 100 and other Rota projects in allocating federal highway funds for fiscal year 2006 through 2008.

Manglona noted that, while appropriations were made recently for Rota’s infrastructure projects, the island had had to do with minimal funding from past appropriations.

“As more federal highway funds will be needed in the coming years to complete the continuing projects on Rota, I respectfully ask that this be kept in mind when allocating federal funding for FY2006 through 2008,” Manglona said in a written testimony a public hearing on the Territorial Transportation Improvement Plan FY06-08.

Public Works, which is preparing an allocation plan for funds under the Federal Aid Highway Program, was scheduled to conduct a public hearing on Rota Tuesday night.

The Route 100 improvement project, which includes paving the 12-km. highway that provides an alternate connection between the villages of Sinapalu and Songsong, topped the list of projects that Manglona asked DPW to prioritize.

He noted that the project has encountered numerous setbacks over the years, including design changes due to typhoon damage and the default of a former contractor.

In addition, the Federal Highway Administration has required the local government to first obtain title to private lands that would be affected by the road project.

“With these impediments either resolved or nearing resolution, I feel it necessary at this point and time to set aside federal funding for this long overdue project,” Manglona said.

The estimated amount need to complete the major portions of the road is $1.8 million.

The senator asked DPW to at least identify funding to complete guardrails along the route and other safety measures that will mitigate hazards along Route 100.

Manglona also called for funding for Route 11, the one-mile road leading up to the Sabana. He said that road and drainage improvements along this route will increase access to the Sabana for the local farmers and community members, as well as enhance the area as a tourist destination.

Construction of Route 101, which connects the Northern Marianas College campus to Isang, has yet to be initiated. This project was originally scheduled to begin in September 2005.

Another project in Manglona’s list is the badly needed repair to Cannon and Ugis roads. “Typhoon Chaba caused major erosion along the shoulders of these roads and continues to pose a major hazard to local motorists. Funding is critically needed to ensure the safety of these drivers and to prevent any further erosion from runoff,” he said.

Lastly, Manglona asked for funding for Route 103, which leads to Dugi homestead. “By committing funding now for the next two fiscal years, we will ensure improvements to this route in conjunction with the development of the homestead project,” the senator said.