BECQ, govt agencies collaborate with Legislature on Sugar Dock
The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality is collaborating with other government agencies for the repair and rehabilitation of Sugar Dock, which has become hazardous due to the deteriorating condition of the former Saipan seaport.
According to bureau administrator Frank Rabauliman yesterday, BECQ is collaborating with the Department of Public Lands, Historic Preservation Office, CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife, and the Department of Lands and Natural Resources on this project.
“Currently there are health and safety concerns regarding Sugar Dock because its present condition is falling apart. Kids and folks who use it for recreation purposes may injure themselves,” he said.
The rehabilitation project, spearheaded by DPL, aims to restore and modernize Sugar Dock for recreation, boat lounging, and possibly ferry services to and from Tinian.
“There are submerged land issues, in which DLNR may be contacted at some point,” added Rabauliman.
BECQ will conduct environmental assessments of the site, and will continue to do so even as the construction is ongoing.
“The other agencies are seeing if they can bring forth whatever resources or technical assistance for Sugar Dock, either rehabilitation, restoration, or reconstruction,” he said.
There was a meeting on the matter last Oct. 25.
The rehabilitation project is praiseworthy. The Sugar Dock, constructed during the Japanese colonial period, is an important piece of Saipan’s history. More needs to be done to preserve the island’s many historical sites that are falling into ruin.