Economic plan promises bright future for CNMI

With a concrete economic blueprint now in the bag, the CNMI government anticipates to generate an additional $200 million revenues in a four-year period through the revitalization of the islands’ tourism industry.

Following 15 months of discussions, the Strategic Economic Development Council yesterday unveiled a blueprint seen to alleviate the Commonwealth’s financial woes through aggressive marketing and physical improvements.

The Council presented the first phase of its economic recommendations to Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday, where SEDC Chair Scott Bowman, who is also the regional manager for Duty Free Shoppers, emphasized the advantages of a tourism-based economy for the Commonwealth.

“Tourism continues to be a big source of revenues for the CNMI. This offers the most immediate opportunity to drive revenues up without putting so much strain on social services and public facilities,” Mr. Bowman said.

He pointed out that the entry of tourists to the islands offer the brightest chance to replenish government coffers sans the heavy pressure on public facilities and services such as education and hospital.

The additional $200 million revenues that the CNMI government anticipates to generate between 2001 and 2005 will be spurred by revitalization of the islands’ tourism industry which suffered a major setback when Asian currencies collapsed in 1997.

Part of the recommendations by the Council is the beautification and the development of a focal point for visitors and residents within the commercial district of Garapan which, SEDC member Marian Aldan-Pierce said, has been plagued by criminal activities in the past decade.

“In the past 10 years, crimes, prostitution, loitering, gambling and other illegal activities have proliferated Garapan. In addition, infrastructure has deteriorated resulting in sewage overflow, flooding, trash and other types of pollution,” she said.

With the area consistently enjoying 100 percent penetration of all visitors coming to the CNMI, Ms. Aldan-Pierce said the Garapan district has the potential to be developed into a first-class resort destination given the financial resources and the government’s commitment.

The beautification plan includes the construction of a pedestrian mall, a permanent and a temporary koban, special zoning, sidewalk extension among others which should cost the government close to $2.8 million.

The beautification project, which is phase one of the Garapan Revitalization Project, is expected to be completed in June 2002. The project is aimed at improving the district’s landscaping, parking, traffic flow and lighting.

The Garapan Revitalization Project’s design and construction cost is estimated to reach over $21 million. Initial funding of $2 million has been set aside for the program under the Capital Improvement Project Plan.

At the same time, the American Memorial Park Improvement Project has already received funding support through legislation which authorizes CDA to borrow up to $2 million for improvements to the park.

Ms. Aldan-Pierce said the Garapan district has evolved to be the tourism hub in Saipan, the area being home to 1,100 hotel rooms, major restaurants and retail establishments, beaches and the American Memorial Park.