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Bird Island development plan altered
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Posted on Nov 04 1999
Due to the downturn in the island’s tourism economy, investors of the $63 million Bird Island Development have scaled down the project from a 27-hole golf course to an 18-hole golf resort.
According to Pete A. Tenorio, chief project consultant, the project developers are also facing difficulty in carrying out the plan in light of the recommendation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife to minimize disturbance in the proposed site, which is the sanctuary of the endangered nightingale reed warblers.
Tenorio said the golf course design to be submitted may still be altered to suit the recommendations of the federal agency. He said the plan is subject to the approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
Coastal Resources Management Office acting director Peter Barlas said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would have to issue a Section 10 permit that would allow development to occur within an endangered species habitat.
Unless the Bird Island Development gets a Section 10 permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the CRM permit will not be valid, he said. As a result of the delays encountered by the developers, Barlas said the company has already sought an extension of their CRM permit.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s nod is required on the habitat conservation plan to ensure that endangered species will not be disturbed or harmed.
Aside from a golf course, the 135-hectare resort will include a 300-room hotel and a visitor center overlooking the picturesque Bird Island, located on the northern coast of Saipan.
During the first year of operations, some 435 people would be employed at the golf course and resort complex., and will generate some $7.4 million in total payroll.
The property will be leased from the CNMI government for an initial of 25 years with an option to extend for an additional 15 years.
Since the project site is considered remote, the basic utilities will be provided on-site. These include power, sewage treatment and telecommunications.
