Legislative group formed to review stimulus projects

An 11-member legislative group has been formed to review all infrastructure projects approved by the Fitial administration in connection with the over $338.5 million in CNMI projects that could be covered under the $787 billion national stimulus package.

The Joint Legislative Federal Recovery Act Committee has been formed to serve as the Legislature’s liaison with the Department of Commerce on all infrastructure projects being submitted for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The committee will review the projects and make recommendations to the Legislature regarding any action that may be required.

The members consist of four senators, three House members, their counsels and legislative assistants.

In the Senate, the members are: Sen. Maria Frica T. Pangelinan, chairperson; Sen. Paul A. Manglona, Sen. Felix Mendiola; Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider; Senate legal counsel Michael Ernest; and Senate legislative assistant Eric Lister.

The House members involved in the group are: Rep. Ray N. Yumul, chairperson; Rep. Ramon A. Tebuteb; Rep. Francisco S. Dela Cruz; House legal counsel Jeffrey Warfield; and House legislative assistant Melchor Mendiola.

The committee has 10 days to comment on each submission or give its approval.

“We expect that the committee will rise to the challenge presented by this one-time opportunity for a badly needed infusion of funds into our ailing economy. Given the time constraints and the needs of the involved agencies and the federal government, the Legislature must stand ready to do our part in a timely fashion,” said Senate Pres. Pete P. Reyes and Speaker Arnold I. Palacios in a letter to members.

Commerce Secretary Michael Ada said they have identified $338.5 million in projects that could be covered, including power, water, wastewater and solid waste projects.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed into law in February, the CNMI is eligible for infrastructure funding in addition to individual tax credits 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 competitive grant money. The CNMI will also receive a set amount of non-competitive formula grant money.