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Senate urges MPLA to proceed with Pagan mining project
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Posted on Jul 07 2004
The Senate Committee on Resources, Economic Development and Programs has urged the Marianas Public Land Authority to proceed with the pozzolan mining project on Pagan.
Sen. Joseph M. Mendiola, who heads the subcommittee that discussed the Pagan issue, said that after deliberations on House Bill 14-204, the subcommittee determined that the mining of pozzolan on Pagan should be encouraged to maximize the benefit for the government.
The subcommittee met on July 2 and reviewed all reports and other documents submitted for its perusal.
“The subcommittee has come out with the position that any investment opportunity on the island of Pagan should be encouraged, provided that all legitimate concerns are addressed, including the concerns of people of Pagan,” said Mendiola.
He added that the Senate respects the authority of the MPLA and it would not interfere with the agency’s responsibilities but the subcommittee strongly advised the board to expedite all permitting processes for any mining of pozzolan on Pagan.
“We hope that any hesitation on their part will not result in discouraging any investor,” said Mendiola.
Mendiola stressed that, at this point, when the CNMI economy is at its lowest state, any investment opportunity should be explored and supported and not bombarded with political interference or inaction.
“Provided that the interest of both the CNMI government and its people as well as the interest of the investors are equally addressed, I believe any investment should be supported,” said the senator.
He added that after the deliberation of the subcommittee last week, it further determined that the MPLA should continue to seek and consider the advice of Pagan residents and to continuously involve the residents in this discussion through its representatives. Mendiola urged the MPLA to work closely with the Pagan residents to seek their advice.
