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SHEFA eyes relocation to new office in August
The Saipan Higher Education Financial Assistance plans to move to the Ladera Center by August to be in close proximity with the Saipan Mayor’s Office
SHEFA administrator Merissa Rasa said that with the move they will need to start paying rent for the unit/office improvements and funding will be needed.
“We have a contract already in preparation and try and get the space ready. It is an extension in the existing contract with the Saipan Mayor’s Office,” said Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang said.
Apatang said that he would help them in speaking with the Saipan and Northern Islands Delegation to get funding as well.
SHEFA chair Oscar Babauta said that they did ask for more funding and discussed in their latest board meeting not only the rental fee but also their own transportation services to better serve students.
Every year, SHEFA is usually appropriated some $3 million and allots $100,000 for its operations that include personnel.
The current office SHEFA uses has been its home since 2004 and is rent-free with only an annual insurance fee of $300 to the Northern Marianas Housing Corp.
Apatang said SHEFA moving to Ladera Center is a good decision because it would foster better collaboration between SHEFA and the Saipan Mayor’s Office.
SHEFA board approved to move the SHEFA office to the second floor of the Ladera Center where the Saipan Mayor’s Office is located. In that way, SHEFA can avail itself the logistics and other services provided by Apatang’s office.
Apatang himself suggested SHEFA to move to the Ladera Center back in January of this year and urged the board to start planning its move before NMHC releases the property to possible investors.
