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MPLA board OKs MPLT chair’s land claim
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Posted on Feb 22 2006
In what turned out to be its last special meeting, the Marianas Public Lands Authority board approved Tuesday the land exchange claim of partner agency head Juan S. Torres.
MPLA finally held its twice-aborted special meeting on Tuesday on Saipan.
The meeting continued yesterday, which actually became MPLA’s last day in history.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial signed yesterday afternoon Public Law 15-2, which abolishes MPLA, a few minutes after it passed the Legislature.
MPLA public information officer Ed Arriola Jr. said Torres’ land claim was approved “conditionally.”
“It is subject to appraisal review and survey of property. It’s also subject to the commissioner’s negotiation with the client,” said Arriola.
Torres, who chairs the Marianas Public Land Trust, has openly expressed his support for MPLA in opposing the bill seeking the abolition of MPLA.
Meantime, Arriola said that the board had also approved the Tinian leaseback survey project and the extension of Kingfisher land lease during the meeting.
Demapan-Castro, who filed for a personal leave from Feb. 13 to March 1, returned this week to convene the meeting and address MPLA-related issues, Arriola said.
All four members—Demapan-Castro, Manny Villa-gomez, Felix Sasamoto, and Nick Nekai—were present during the agency’s last board meeting.
