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NMC wrapping up FEMA documentation
The Northern Marianas College is wrapping up this week the paperwork required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support its application for federal disaster assistance.
According to David Attao, NMC Dean of Administration and Resource Development, “we are practicing due diligence and making sure we follow all procedures and policies as well as the law to ensure that rebuilding activities occur in the most efficient and effective way that meets the needs of our students, stakeholders, and the college as a whole.”
Part of this process, he said, required damage assessment work, collection of evidence including photographs, seeking input from field experts for cost estimates, and other detailed documentation.
The college is moving forward with the procurement process to begin major renovations and repairs to buildings, with many of the minor repairs having been completed.
In September, the House of Representatives re-appropriated $1 million for local scholarships to repair NMC’s damaged buildings.
NMC sustained considerable damage from Typhoon Soudelor as it tore through the NMC campus, ripping roofs off buildings including the college’s gymnasium, destroying computer and other electrical equipment, flooding classrooms, and toppling trees. The storm damaged 19 of 25 buildings and many were rendered unusable. Some employees have had to be relocated to facilities off campus because their offices were completely destroyed. The college then sustained additional damage from Tropical Storm Champi.
According to Frankie Eliptico, NMC director of external affairs, the college is grateful for the much needed funding for repairs that will be underway in the next few weeks.
