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Regular update for NMI on Marines’ relocation
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Posted on May 13 2006
The U.S. military intends to meet regularly with both Guam and CNMI officials to update them on the planned relocation of some 8,000 Marines from Okinawa to the Marianas.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, who received assurances from the military Wednesday that it will use Tinian as a training site for the Marines, said Friday that U.S. Pacific Command deputy commander Lt. Gen. Daniel Leaf intends to meet with him regularly on the CNMI’s role in the relocation project.
“He is going to come up regularly to meet the leadership of Guam and [the CNMI]. He is coming up again in June,” said Fitial.
He said the military has been working on the plan since 15 months ago and, based on this plan, Tinian will be used for training.
“It means there will be construction of military facilities,” said Fitial.
He said funding has not been discussed.
Fitial flew to Guam Wednesday last week to meet with Leaf and U.S. Naval Forces Marianas commander Rear Admiral Charles J. Leidig on the progress of the $10-billion relocation plan.
More than half of the amount will be shouldered by the Japanese government. The relocation will take place within the next three years.
The military controls 17,799 square meters of public land on Tinian, which it leased from the CNMI government.
