$366K in grants for Kagman center, Tinian Youth Center

Over $366,000 in federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was recently awarded for the renovation and rehabilitation of the Kagman Community Center and the Tinian Youth Center.

Northern Marianas Housing Corp. deputy director Zenie P. Mafnas informed the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs of their successful evaluation and selection under the grant program. The Kagman Community Center will receive $323,081, while $43,509.80 will go to the Tinian Youth Center.

“This program will fund the renovation and rehabilitation of the Kagman Community Center and the Tinian Youth Center,” Mafnas said, adding that DCCA can begin the scope of work and design plans needed to move the project forward before December 2017.

According to DCCA Secretary Robert Hunter, the funding will help continue and strengthen the Kagman Community Center operations as it serves an important role in providing a facility for daily after-school youth programs, and outreach activities.

“Seasonal programs like book distributions and holiday activities, increased outreach programs, public hearings, and the DCCA-DYS parent training and counseling programs are many of the key programs at Kagman Community Center. Unfortunately, due to damage from Typhoon Soudelor, the auditorium has not been usable. The rest of the facility has been badly in need of repair and/or renovation. These funds will see the renovation of the entire facility,” he said.

Hunter further noted that DCCA has also been working with Docomo Pacific on the development of activities at the center and the acquisition of new equipment.

“The construction of new outdoor sports and playground facilities at the center are also nearing completion and should be open to the public in late July,” he said.

Tinian Mayor Joey Patrick San Nicolas said the Tinian Youth Center grant award will strengthen TYC for valuable youth activities, parenting classes, and a variety of other important community activities.

The renovation of both facilities also take into account their role as long-term post-disaster emergency shelters. 

“Creating safe centers for enrichment, while also being shelters for emergencies is crucial,” said Gov. Ralph DLG Torres. “These two improvement projects will greatly benefit our community as we continue to improve our engagement and expand our economic opportunities. Our youth and community centers have needed improvement for quite some time, and I am pleased to see these plans move forward.”

The Community Development Block Grant program is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs and is an important tool for helping local governments tackles serious challenges facing their communities. For more information on CBDG, log on to www.nmhcgov.net. (PR)