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No funding for law earmarking funds for Oleai grandstands
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Posted on Dec 14 2005
The $650,000 appropriation measure for the 6th Micronesian Games may now be a law, but it remains unclear when the funds will become available.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta, who signed the appropriation bill into law Friday, cited a problem with regard to the availability of funds for the projects identified in the measure.
House Bill 14-378, which is now Public Law 14-99, appropriates $650,000 from the Managaha landing fees various projects and activities related to the 6th Micronesian Games. The Commonwealth will host the sports event in June 2006.
Specifically, P.L. 14-99 appropriates $300,000 for the construction of a grandstand at the Francisco Palacios Baseball Stadium; $200,000 for a grandstand at the Miguel B. Pangelinan Softball Field; $100,000 for the Dandan Elementary School pathway; $25,000 for the Kagman Elementary School pathway; and $25,000 for the Marianas High School Building J termite renovation.
In his transmittal letter to the Legislature, Babauta noted that the Finance Department had raised concerns regarding the amount of funds available for the appropriation measure.
“Specifically, Tasi Tours and Transportation Inc., which controls the expenditure of Managaha Landing Fees through an agreement with the [MPLA], has reported that the remaining fund balance is insufficient for the full amount appropriated by this measure,” Babuata told Senate President Joaquin Adriano and House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial.
Tasi Tours general manager David Igitol told the Saipan Tribune that, as of Sept. 30, 2005, the Managaha Island Land User Fee Trust Account shad a balance of $656,459.37.
Besides P.L. 14-99, two other laws have been enacted that appropriated funds from the same funding source.
Saipan Local Law 14-17 appropriated $600,000 from the Managaha landing fees for the renovation and construction of the Old Garapan Headstart.
S.L.L. 14-18 appropriated $300,000 to fund all Youth Center operation in Saipan.
“I respectfully encourage the members of the Legislature to work with the Department of Finance and the Marianas Public Lands Authority to resolve any outstanding issues with regard to the availability of funds for the projects identified in this measure,” Babauta said.
