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‘List shows 241 recipients of BOOST Program’
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Posted on Dec 09 2022
Celina R. Babauta and David DLG Atalig
Rep. Celina R. Babauta (D-Saipan) disclosed yesterday that, based on the list submitted by Finance Secretary David DLG Atalig, 241 have been awarded funds under the Torres administration’s Building Optimism, Opportunity and Stability Together, or BOOST Program.
In response to Saipan Tribune’s inquiry, Babauta, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations, said that Atalig replied to their subpoena and that they received from him a list of 241 recipients of the BOOST Program.
As to the question of how many applicants are still pending or have not received any response yet whether their application had been approved or denied, Babauta said that, according to the Finance secretary, all 241 have been awarded.
“At this time, we are unable to disclose any information because we have not vetted any witness testimony,” Babauta said.
She said she did not calculate yet as to the total amount awarded to the recipients.
Atalig told Saipan Tribune Wednesday that he did submit to the House Committee on JGO and Committee on Ways and Means a letter responding to the BOOST questions that the committees had requested in their subpoena.
Atalig said he is not aware of anyone questioning the House’s authority.
The committees’ joint meeting set for Dec. 16 and 19 about the BOOST Program includes, among other items, contempt and a review of legal authority to conduct a legislative research or investigation.
Atalig and William “Wil” Castro, who is the chief of staff of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, were among several persons and entities that the committees served with subpoena to compel them to produce documents and testify related to the administration of the BOOST Program.
The Torres administration previously disclosed that $10 million in the American Rescue Plan Act funding has been allocated for the BOOST Program to help small businesses in the CNMI.
BOOST is project of the Office of the Governor and the Department of Finance that aims to provide loan assistance to CNMI businesses and non-profit organizations.
