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DPL nixes CPA request for public domain on two lots
The Department of Public Lands has rejected a request of the Commonwealth Ports Authority to hold off issuing lease agreements for two areas that CPA has identified as vital for its future seaport expansion.
CPA seaports facilities chair Benigno Sablan disclosed this development following a conversation with DPL Secretary Pete Tenorio, whom he described as unwilling to entertain the proposal.
“I have spoken with the DPL secretary and he’s not amenable to granting public domain on areas we identified. They’re going to go ahead and sign a lease agreement with Pacific Marine,” according to Sablan.
CPA wants easy access to two specific public lands that it is eyeing for potential seaport expansion and earlier urged the public lands agency to consider its appeal for the island’s economic growth.
The ports authority is seeking authority to take control of both the center properties on Industrial Drive and the Able Dock, areas that CPA claimed are viable for seaport activities. The agency is interested in the property south and adjacent to Able Dock where a company was given a permit to use the area.
Following the DPL’s latest decision, Sablan said that CPA must continue its communication with Public Lands to consider the ports authority’s access to the properties.
By next year, he said, CPA staff must communicate with DPL so ensure that the ports authority’s access is included in the lease agreement to be issued to the tenants.
“For any other lease agreements, DPL prefers they lease it out for proper programs,” added Sablan.
The request for public domain on the two sites has been outstanding for about eight years.
Saipan Tribune learned that anything above 5 hectares has to seek the governor’s approval and the Legislature in granting public domain.
