Previous Story
Concrete utility poles installed on Saipan
Concrete poles are being installed around Saipan, in a joint mutual aid effort between the Guam Power Authority and the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. These poles will assist in power restoration for the island and will be more resilient and disaster resistant.
The 90 concrete poles arrived on Saturday Aug. 22, and through today, most were installed throughout the island, including along the feeder to the airport. An additional 110 concrete poles are scheduled to be delivered within the next few days, which will continue to support the overall power authority restoration capabilities.
Concrete power poles are installed at the Chalan Kiya power substation. (BRAD E. RUSZALA)
“Saipan is well under way to recovery,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Stephen M. DeBlasio Sr. “The installation of these concrete poles as well as additional treated wood utility poles is a clear sign of recovery and the ongoing partnership of the whole community.”
This is a great mitigation effort here on the island provided through mutual aid between the GPA and Saipan CUC, and the FEMA Public Assistance Program.
FEMA also mission assigned power experts from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 249th Prime Power Battalion Delta team to assist CNMI in installing the hardwire and electrical wiring on the utility poles.
Through the PA Program, FEMA provides supplemental federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private non-profit organizations. The PA Program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process. (FEMA)
