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Municipal council’s scenic byways proposal sent to MVA
Led by Ramon B. Camacho, chairman of Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council, a plan is underway to reignite the community driven scenic byways adopt-a-place project with the goal of making thoroughfares safe, clean, and beautiful.
According to the project proposal, which was sent to the Marianas Visitors Authority, the program’s main goal is to gather the community together and “build a sense of ownership” among volunteers.
The proposal asks for financial assistance from MVA to support implementation and successful completion of the project.
According to the letter of proposal, the project is single-phased over a year’s period and all expenditure activities will be implemented over fiscal year 2014 and 2015.
For this phase, the project-funding requirement is estimated at $16,656.00.
Of the estimated funding, transportation costs are estimated at $5,005, gear and supplies at $7,920, equipment at $4,280, and signage at $500.
According to a source at the municipal council office, MVA to date has not given any updates on the submitted letter and proposal—sent on July 31— as its board of directors must first discuss it in session.
The MVA is scheduled to have a board meeting today at 9am.
As of July 22 2014, the project has United Airlines as a sponsor, which has volunteered their help in cleaning a selected area in San Jose. Bank of Guam’s sponsorship is listed as pending, but the bank has shown interest.
According to proposal, the council wishes—through this project—to empower the community through self-help.
The municipal council believes that by doing so a capacity at the local level will develop to respond in positive ways to the environment through enhancing and preserving the island’s physical and cultural traits.
“If we continue to rely on government, the community tends to sit back,” Camacho said. “But if you empower the community, then we can all work together and reduce unacceptable eyesores or criminal activities on island.”
The municipal council plans on working with other agencies as well like the Deparment of Public Safety and Department of Public Highway to reignite the project, which began in 2012.
