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Renovation of Garapan fish market building underway
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Posted on Jan 09 2014
The Garapan Fishing Base is expecting a refreshing transformation as it will soon be the host of the new Garapan Public Market. The Department of Lands and Natural Resources received a grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Economic Development Initiative Special Projects that was approved for the renovation of the former fish market building for use as a public market.
DLNR, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works, issued a notice of bid in early September 2013. Through a competitive bid process, Success International Corp. was awarded the contract for the renovation project. The contractor has been provided with the notice-to-proceed, and the project is now underway.
The CNMI has envisioned a permanent public market facility for many years, and Gov. Eloy Inos has been a strong advocate for the establishment of a public market to benefit farmers, fishermen, and the community. Reflecting on the significant cultural history of the indigenous people, DLNR continues to find opportunities to promote traditional skills and professions such as fishing and farming.
The public market will provide a permanent location for vendors to sell locally grown produce.
DLNR Secretary Arnold Palacios expressed his elation that this project is finally underway.
“We are very pleased to move forward with this project as it is important that we continue to support our local fishermen and farmers. We are just beginning, and we are working on plans to expand the project for a full-scale public market,” Palacios said.
The renovation of the 4,000 sq. ft. building will include a produce display area, loading and unloading area, lounge area, and 18 new parking stalls. The $148,000 renovation project is expected to be completed by April 2014. [B][I](DLNR)[/I][/B]
