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MPLT won’t fund breakwater
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Posted on Jan 29 2001
The Marianas Public Land Trust has junked proposal by the Legislature to channel funds for the construction of the Outer Cover Marina Breakwater due to limitation of its authority to finance projects solely for the improvements of the American Memorial Park.
Although the MPLT can readily extend financial assistance for the construction of visitor center, memorial garden and track and field facilities at the American Memorial Park, the Board of Trustees will not consider financing the breakwater project.
In a letter, MPLT Chair Juan S. Torres told House Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Antonio M. Camacho that the board can lend an estimated $2,000,000 for the development of these projects at the American Memorial Park, with an additional $2,000,000 matching funds from the government.
Mr. Torres said concerns were raised following the inclusion of the construction of breakwater on the proposed House Bill 12-288 which appropriates funds for the design and construction of the facilities at the park.
“Our only concern is the limitation imposed upon us to ensure our $2 million funding is used only for projects within the American Memorial Park,” the MPLT chair stressed.
Despite their intention to help, the MPLT can never allocate funds for the construction of the breakwater in the Outer Cove Marina since restrictions were placed on the Trust to use the money strictly for the development projects in the park.
“The MPLT will not support any funding for projects other than those cited in the legislation,” Mr. Torres said.
In addition to this, the MPLT chair also questioned the construction cost of the breakwater projects, estimated to reach $400,000.
Mr. Torres argued that the original estimate for the construction of the Outer Cove Marina Breakwater project was projected to be higher than what was indicated in House Bill 12-288.
