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MPLA clarifies moratorium lifting
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Posted on Aug 25 2005
The Marianas Public Lands Authority wants to reassure concerned citizens of NMI descent that the lifting of the homestead programs on Saipan and Rota were a result of “tedious and investigative plans” for the supply of lands that are available.
For the past two and a half years, the MPLA has been analyzing and determining what remaining public lands are available for use not only for homestead intentions, but also for civic, environmental, government related, and other land use purposes.
“In order to fully clarify and set to rest another misperception, the MPLA would like to state that neither the Homestead Program nor the acceptance of applications for the Homestead Program were ever terminated; they were merely put on suspension so that the MPLA could review and assess how much public lands are available,” the agency said in a statement. “The MPLA welcomes all applicants to come in to any MPLA office in either Saipan, Tinian, or Rota and pick up or drop off application forms for either village or agricultural homesteads. Please understand that our offices are overwhelmed with foot traffic and will be for at least the next two-three months.”
“I’m very pleased that Gov. [Juan N.] Babuata’s request to lift the moratorium has been evaluated and honored by the board of directors of the MPLA. The board and staff have been preparing for this day ever since the moratorium was put into effect,” said MPLA commissioner Edward M. Deleon Guerrero
Acting chair Manny Villagomez said the MPLA welcomes interested individuals to visit their offices to apply for or follow up on applications.
“Please be patient as we are fielding a numerous amount of applications, e-mails, and inquiries about the homestead application process,” he said.
