CNMI closer to reaping military benefits

Resident Representative Pedro A. Tenorio said yesterday that legislation that makes the CNMI eligible for grants under the Office of Economic Adjustment is now on the desk of President Bush, who is expected to sign it shortly.

The amendment, sponsored by Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo at the request of Tenorio, was included in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, which passed in April. This measure was not originally in the Senate version but, with the help of Hawaii Sen. Daniel K. Akaka, the House version was substituted for the original S. 3001 and approved by the Senate.

“Thanks to our friends, the CNMI, especially Tinian, will be able to apply for grants that will help prepare the island for more constant military use with the upcoming relocation of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Forces to Guam,” said Tenorio.

The OEA is responsible for the planning, directing, coordinating and managing of Department of Defense economic adjustment programs for communities, areas, and States adversely affected by DoD realignment actions. It also assists local communities, areas, or States with special impact assistance and joint land use planning in expanding public service facilities to meet requirements generated by major expansions or the establishment of new DoD installations.

The new law will also create an account in the U.S. Treasury to fund improvements in property or facilities on Guam, obtain property support services for these locations and develop military facilities or training ranges in the CNMI.

According to Tenorio, “This is welcome legislation because it recognizes the strategic importance of our islands, specifically Tinian, of which the U.S. government already leases over two-thirds, and makes our desire to reap some benefit from the base realignment process that much closer to a reality.”

Tenorio has met with officials of OEA and has been assured that OEA, in coordination with other federal agencies will aid in identifying and evaluating what impact any possible DoD programs will have on the overall environment.

Tenorio emphasizes that local leaders “must be fully engaged with the relocation of the Marines to insure that the CNMI receives maximum benefits, and is protected from environmental harm.”

Tenorio plans to continue working with the Tinian Legislative Delegation, Tinian Mayor’s Office and all people to make sure that the CNMI’s participation in any programs concerning the base realignment process is maximized. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]