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House backs COTA on alternative transportation for Guam and NMI
The House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution 18-58 supporting the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority’s partnership with Guam in developing alternative regional transportation services between Guam and the CNMI through ferry services.
In a response to the adoption of the resolution, COTA administrator Thomas Camacho said his agency “has taken the lead in applying for a U.S. Department of Transportation grant to fund the ferry system feasibility study for Guam and the CNMI.”
COTA earlier applied for the TIGER grant in April, requesting for $4.7 million.
“It is now very clear that both houses of our Legislature support alternative regional transportation system via ferry between Guam and CNMI,” Camacho said.
HR 18-58 appeared three times during House sessions held on May 5, June 12, and June 18 this year.
HR 18-58 recognizes that there are no passenger interisland transportation other than air transportation between Guam and CNMI. The increasing demand for transportation and goods as well as providing additional means of transportation such as ferry services or similar vessels will be “highly beneficial” to promote interisland trade between Guam and CNMI.
Camacho said a ferry service will connect people and commerce between the islands.
“It will also improve the economy and most likely create jobs. The CNMI and Guam ferry system will likely include Tinian and Rota as well,” Camacho said.
According to him, the ferry will supplement air travel and interisland commuter service for work, delivery of services, interisland cruises, and emergency response.
The Association of Pacific Island Legislature, in its board of directors meeting, recently adopted Resolution 54-BOD-07, promoting an alternative regional transportation between Guam and CNMI by means of commuter or cargo vessel services.
“This is not only to provide commuter service but also to connect our islands as a whole,” Camacho said.
