FLASHBACK – Mar. 10, 2012

Review on bids for project enters second phase[/B]

Saying it is “extremely pleased” with the findings of an independent evaluator, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. agreed yesterday to conduct a second round of review on the long-stalled power plant on Saipan in efforts to determine the contractor of the $120 million project. “We are in the right direction,” said board chair Juan S. Dela Cruz. “There will be a second round of review. I hope that it will come early so we can have a decision right away on who will build the plant as soon as possible.” The announcement followed a closed-door meeting at the Hafa Adai Hotel in which CUC directors discussed a preliminary report on the initial review of the private engineering firm Burns & McDonnell.

The Senate holds its session today after it postponed voting last week on crucial legislative proposals, including a pending measure setting aside close to $23 million for capital improvement projects that aims to stir the sluggish economy. Members will also vote on a legislative initiative seeking a referendum on a proposed five-year stay limit for guest workers in the CNMI, as well as a resolution granting powers to the Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations Committee to reopen investigation into the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission.

CDA told to promote NMI as investment site[/B]

As part of the efforts to spur economic growth, the House of Representatives yesterday adopted a resolution calling on the Commonwealth Development Authority to intensify an information campaign promoting the island’s investment potential. The lower chamber likewise urged CDA to organize trade missions to the U.S. mainland, Asia and Europe composed of private sector representatives and government officials to help market the CNMI as a good investment site. CDA, the chief government lending agency, has the financing capability, technical expertise, and business and investment prowess necessary to develop an investment promotional prospectus about the island that will be distributed worldwide, according to the resolution.

The House Commerce and Tourism Committee has begun deliberation on a new measure creating free trade zones in the CNMI after the initial legislation was rejected by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio due to differences on some of its key provisions. Under the bill introduced by Rep. Diego T. Benavente in the 12th House of Representatives, amendments made by the Senate concerning use of public lands on Rota and Tinian were struck out to be consistent with the original proposal drawn up by the administration. This is exactly the same measure passed by the previous Legislature, but was vetoed by the governor last month because of its failure to address issues surrounding the use of public lands.

BOE opposes beautification tax[/B]

Citing lack of consultation and foresight on the part of the Legislature, the Board of Education has criticized the recent passage of the Environmental Beautification Tax Act and asked that it be amended to exempt CNMI’s educational institutions from its coverage. BOE chairman Herman T. Guerrero and board member Marja Lee Taitano described the law as self-defeating. “On one hand, they have this educational tax credit. On the other hand, there’s this beatification tax. It’s ludicrous. There’s lack of planning. It could be that the Legislature passed it without intending to hurt the schools. But there’s always repercussions. They don’t think too far. They’re just reacting to the moment. And as such, they’re passing a bad bill,” Guerrero said.

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. has decided to build and fund its own building project. “The CUC is moving forward according to the executive director with its plan to design, build, and finance its own administration building,” said CUC spokesperson Pamela Mathis. The agency is now looking at three possible sites, including Lower Base, and Mathis said the CUC is working with the Marianas Public Lands Authority for the most viable site. Mathis said the CUC is also working with the Office of the Governor in finding a new bill collection office for residents living on Capital Hill, as well as in Marpi and the Kagman areas.