CNMI’s possible projects total $270 million

The CNMI government has identified $270 million worth of projects that could be eligible for funding under the $787 billion stimulus package.

The CNMI’s 53 projects cover a variety of departments, including transportation, utilities and health. The most expensive projects proposed are within the Commonwealth Ports Authority for port infrastructure. A matrix was created and made available yesterday to ensure the projects are eligible for federal funding.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed into law last week, the CNMI is eligible for infrastructure funding in addition to individual tax rebates residents will receive. But because the insular areas were unsuccessful in their attempt to allow the Interior Department to distribute their portion, the CNMI must apply and compete against other local governments for the money it receives—something local government officials are scrambling to do.

Commerce Secretary Michael Ada and acting Gov. Timothy Villagomez met with department and agency heads on Friday and discussed possible projects. A timetable was also presented where department heads are required by tomorrow to run their projects through the matrix to make sure projects are eligible. By Thursday, department heads are to begin downloading and filling out the applications. The scope of the work and request for proposals is due to Finance Secretary Eloy Inos by March 5, and by March 13 the infrastructure projects will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget.

According to the presentation, the primary goals of the ARRA include job creation and sustainability; investments into science and health; transportation; environmental protection; long-term infrastructure; and state fiscal stabilization.

The Commonwealth is treated like a state for competitive awards. For formula funds, the CNMI is treated as an “outlying area” and subject to conditions under normal federal grants. Projects where 50 percent of funds can be expended within 120 days are given preference. The governor must certify that the Commonwealth plans to use the funds and the money will create jobs and promote economic growth.

CNMI Delegate Gregorio “Kilili” Sablan has called on the Commonwealth government to work fast because of the “use it or lose it” stipulation for infrastructure projects. Last week, Sablan met with CNMI lawmakers and said the CNMI was working too slowly. Governments across the country have been scrambling to prepare the applications in order to get a chunk of the billions of dollars, including hiring people tasked specifically with completing the necessary applications, he said.

“The problem is we’re not different. We’re the same as all of them. We have to apply,” Sablan said of the other states and territories.

Some of the proposed projects, the projected cost, and the designated local agency handling the application are:

-Improving Obyan Beach Road; $1.2 million; Division of Environmental Quality;

-Water distribution and valve replacement; $6.5 million; Commonwealth Utilities Corp.;

-Rota dialysis facility; $1.5 million; Department of Public Health;

-Purchase of fire trucks and ambulance vehicles; $7.2 million; Department of Public Safety;

-Saipan airport renovations; $35 million; Commonwealth Ports Authority;

-Professional development of Northern Marianas College staff; $260,877; NMC;

For a listing of all projects, visit www. Commerce.gov.mp.