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10 individuals working under NDW grant
A handful of individuals have been able to work under a grant awarded to the CNMI government by the U.S. Department of Labor.
According to CNMI Labor Secretary Edith DeLeon Guerrero, about 10 individuals are currently funded under the National Dislocated Workers Grant.
“We did pass some individuals already that are funded under the program as monitors of the collection of debris. I believe we are funding currently under the program about 10 individuals and we’re paying them the federal minimum wage,” DeLeon Guerrero said.
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour.
DeLeon Guerrero said the program is not fully launched yet but they are working with other agencies for some projects.
“We’re still working closely with the [Saipan] Mayor’s Office,” DeLeon Guerrero said. “We work hand in hand with the office of the Department of Public Works as well. All these key agencies, I’ll be working closely with.”
A total of $6 million was awarded to the CNMI last September to aid in the recovery efforts after Typhoon Soudelor. The first disbursement amounted to $500,000.
According to DeLeon Guerrero, part of the funding is also being used for administrative costs, which includes recruiting personnel to operate the program.
“That right now is pending for announcement. It is temporary but it does offer a good salary for a temporary job,” DeLeon Guerrero said.
The grant would be good for 12 months but DeLeon Guerrero said she can request for an extension; otherwise the funding will be re-obligated.
“When you don’t fully extend the funds, then naturally it will return to the federal government. That’s how it works. But as much as possible we want to fully extend it prudently and with accordance to the grant conditions,” she said.
