‘Games appropriation OK but not enough’

Division of Sports and Recreation director Tony Rogolifoi yesterday said he was happy that the House of Representatives passed the bill appropriating $550,000 for next year’s Micronesian Games, but explained that a lot more funds will be needed.

During an interview, Rogolifoi said he is pleased that the ball is finally moving, but cited that time is against the Commonwealth as only about eight months remain before the hosting of the Games.

“Its good news and hopefully it passes both houses so we can get the project going and not wait around,” he said. “We’re just about eight months away and there’s a lot of processes that we need to go through like procurement, but I’m banking on my boss [Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Juan L. Babauta] to expedite the process…and get on with the construction with the proposed grand stand.”

The House approved House Bill 14-378, which aims to tap $550,000 from Managaha Landing fees to construct official grandstands at the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field and Miguel B. Pangelinan softball field, which are located at the Oleai Sports Complex.

Rogolifoi reiterated that another priority is the grandstand at the track and field area, which will be the site of the opening and closing ceremonies.

“That’s were it is really necessary that we have additional funding for the proposed grandstand at the track and field because that’s where everything will take place during the opening and closing,” he said. “It’s a priority too. It’s going to be crowded with spectators and right now we don’t have a grandstand, but if we do—something similar to what Palau has will be perfect. Something simple that can sit over 2,000 people.”

Among other projects Rogolifoi said are in need of funds are the construction of a new swimming pool and renovation of the Kan Pacific Swimming Pool.

He said the pool in Marpi currently being used by the Saipan Swim Club is actually short by inches and does not meet the required standard.

“It is short by inches so they need to work on that pool right now,” he said. “It doesn’t meet the standard. When Tucker and Associates were here for the feasibility study, we went to Marpi and inquired as to the dimension of the pool and we were told by people at Kan Pacific that the pool was short by inches.”

“It is very important that we correct the discrepancies because it is going to effect the results of the swimmers…especially if they break records.”

Authorities earlier said that the CNMI needs some $5.8 million to renovate existing facilities and construct new sports facilities.

The bill identified the Secretary of the Department of Public Works as the expenditure authority in consultation with the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

DCCA still awaits the Commonwealth Development Authority’s assistance to find the needed funding for the whole event.

The 2006 Micronesian Games is expected to be held on Saipan on June 23 to July 7. The NMI first hosted the regional sports event in 1969 and later in 1990.

The bill was authored by Rep. Justo S. Quitugua and approved by all 16 members during a session Thursday.