Support for House Local Bill 17-51

Because of the extreme difficulty the CNMI government is experiencing now, I am therefore rendering my support to House Local Bill 17-51, introduced by Rep. Teresita A. Santos of Rota. The bill’s intent is to establish a fee by gross laden weight for heavy construction equipment or machineries using public roads within the island of Rota.

There is no doubt that mobilization of heavy equipment and machineries through primary and secondary roads cause damage and deterioration, especially on accessibilities to heavily congested construction areas. Most of the roads’ damage have to be alleviated by the Department of Public Works. A lot of expenses for fuel, equipment parts, and manpower have to be shouldered by the Department of Public Works as a result of the repair and restoration of roads. It is very difficult for DPW to carry the burden of repairing the damage on primary and secondary roads left behind by heavy construction equipment and machineries due to the continued reduction in its monthly budget allotment. DPW cannot continue to operate with a budget shortfall. Therefore, I am with Rep. Santos’ proposal, as I know very well that such a local bill is one step that will significantly generate revenue through a special account that could assist the municipality and DPW toward the continued maintenance and repair of primary and secondary roads.

It is about time that we take seriously the present financial hardships of our CNMI government and, to continue with the road maintenance operation, we must be creative in supporting any meaningful approach and ways to generate revenue in order to be sustainable in providing delivery of services to the community and the people of Rota. Not only do I support Rep. Santos proposal, but I urged as well our Rota legislative delegation to look into the possibility of seeking ways and means for the FHWA to reimburse DPW for the maintenance and repairs of Federal Aid roads within the island of Rota. The FHWA has relief funding that could perhaps render reimbursement assistance to DPW in order that all designated Federal Aid routes be continuously maintained and repaired. I believe that DPW alone cannot and should not shoulder the maintenance and repair of federal highways that are damaged by heavy construction equipment and machineries.

I am very appreciative of Rep. Santos’ initiative in introducing such a bill. I urge and highly recommend for the Rota Legislative Delegation to support House Local Bill 17-51, as the intent is to create a revenue-generating source in order for the municipality and DPW to continue providing the required maintenance and repair of primary and secondary roads within Rota. I look forward to your success and meaningful deliberation on House Local Bill 17-51 by your next session.
[B] Rufo C. Maratita[/B] [I]Sinapalo, Rota[/I]