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Refurbished Garapan Street opens to public
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Posted on Jan 05 2006
Government officials gathered under the scorching heat of the noonday sun yesterday for the ribbon cutting ceremony formally opening the newly revitalized Garapan Street.
The ceremony was held at the intersection of Garapan Street and Chalan Pale Arnold. Acting Public Works secretary Richard Cody presided over the ceremony, while Kristo Rai Parish priest Fr. Ryan Jimenez led the invocation. Rep. Arnold Palacios also spoke briefly during the opening ceremony.
Palacios said the project was just one of several being constructed all over the island to make Saipan a more tourist-friendly destination.
He said all parties involved in the revitalization project should be commended for a “job well done.”
Gov. Juan N. Babauta said during his brief remarks that the project meets all the criteria for destination enhancement of the CNMI. “Garapan Street is now safer, more beautiful and more enjoyable for our visitors,” he said.
Babauta also commended the project’s overseers, adding that it was a result of the synergy between government and the community. He also acknowledged the contribution of the private sector for the landscaping designs along the sides of Garapan Street.
The project cost $1.1 million, $850,000 of which came from the Federal Highway Administration. The governor said the rest of the funding was from local money that helped pay for the plant boxes, special street lighting, and other improvements not covered by federal funds.
The partners for the project were contractor Maeda Pacific Construction, FHA, Precinct III Third Senatorial District and Tournament of Champions. DPW also thanked the specialists who contributed to the project: Frank LG Aldan for the landscaping project, Juan Camacho for project inspection, Marian Aldan-Pierce as project facilitator, Roy Reyes for the designs, Gani Salazar, Diego Songsong, and Bill Wanket.
Maeda’s president Tom Nielsen said the groundbreaking held seven months ago led to the success of the project, which was targeted to be completed last Christmas. Nielsen said the project was the most unique among all road projects in the CNMI since local manpower resources were used.
