Grants eyed for Multi-Purpose renovation, Tinian car

Through the Office of Grants Management, the Office of the Governor and the Office of the Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan have submitted their pre-application packages to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Facilities Grant Program for the improvement of the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe and to expand youth services on Tinian by acquiring a vehicle for the Tinian Youth Center.
The grant program provides funding assistance to develop essential community facilities in rural areas.  The grant submissions undergo a pre-application screening process, a full application process, and then a rigorous evaluation process with a financial and analytical review. The total length for this grant cycle is about four to six months before an award notification.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres emphasized the need to revamp the current facilities and accommodations provided by the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center to better serve the growing needs of the Commonwealth.
“The…Multi-Purpose Center has long played host to various community and government activities for the CNMI. From promotional ceremonies to public forums, it is critical that we make a concerted effort to improving its many features so that the public could continue to enjoy it,” Torres said.  
That includes acquiring new air conditioning units, flat-screen television sets, chairs and tables, and a public address system for public use by community groups, organizations, and government functions.
“Our community deserves a well-equipped Multi-Purpose Center that can provide better events for our residents. With a growing economy and increased opportunities to host family and communal events, it is an opportune time to push this initiative forward this year,” said Shirley Camacho-Ogumoro, special assistant for Administration.
On Tinian, Mayor Joey Patrick San Nicolas noted that the acquisition of the vehicle will “enhance programs and services offered by the Tinian Youth Center.”
These programs and services are designed to empower, strengthen and promote self-sufficiency among local residents, particularly the youth. The ultimate benefits from these services are improved outcomes related to social and professional development within the community it serves, San Nicolas added. 
OGM administrator Epiphanio E. Cabrera Jr. underscored his excitement for the new year.
“We have a new USDA regional state director out of Hawaii, Ms. Gigi Jones, and we hope to share the many projects we have planned out for the CNMI under the Communities Facilities program. We look forward to pushing these submissions forward and to work closely again with Mr. Joseph Diego from Guam and the regional office so that they are awarded favorably,” he said.  
OGM will be submitting grants in the coming weeks for the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, the Municipality of Rota, and Division of Agriculture-Quarantine. (Office of the Governor)