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Special account for Fire Division sought
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Posted on Dec 22 2008
Rep. Oscar M. Babauta has introduced a bill that seeks to establish a special account for the operations of the Department of Public Safety’s Fire Division.
Under the proposed measure, the Department of Finance will create a Fire Safety Enhancement Account to ensure that adequate funding is readily available for the operational, interisland travel, and training expenses of the inspection and investigation section of the Fire Division.
Under the current Commonwealth Fire Safety Code, the Fire Division is mandated to issue permits and conduct inspections to provide effective fire protection to persons and property in the CNMI.
At present, funding for the operations of the Fire Division is appropriated from the annual budget law.
Babauta said that due to the importance of timely critical services being rendered, it is necessary to establish the special account.
Babauta’s legislation will give the Fire director—in consultation with the DPS commissioner—expenditure authority for revenues generated with respect to fire laws.
The funds deposited into the special account may only be expended for the inspection and investigation section of the Fire Division for operational expenses, training and hiring of personnel, and interisland travel for investigative assistance.
