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Senate tackles CIP bill today
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Posted on Mar 10 1999
The Senate holds its session today after it postponed voting last week on crucial legislative proposals, including a pending measure setting aside close to $23 million for capital improvement projects that aims to stir the sluggish economy.
Members will also vote on a legislative initiative seeking a referendum on a proposed five-year stay limit for guest workers in the CNMI, as well as a resolution granting powers to the Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations Committee to reopen investigation into the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission.
Senate Floor leader Pete P. Reyes said they will push for passage of the CIP bill that will separate appropriation for the new prison from other projects included in the first batch of priority infrastructure of the government.
The bill has been pending with the Senate since the House passed it last month as members are hoping to amend the measure which will only alter the initial action on the recently drafted CIP master plan of the government.
“This is appropriating over $20 million and it’s not a measure expected of the legislature to act immediately without looking at the kind of programs that we have done,” Reyes said.
The proposal will set in motion use of federal funds amounting to $77 million which need local matching of equal amount as required under U.S. law for 50 projects on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
Among the first batch of projects included are the new landfill in Marpi and the new prison as well as improvement of health center on Rota and construction of new police and fire stations on Tinian.
“To avoid further delay on the issue of prison, it’s a consensus by both houses a separate bill… will be introduced addressing the prison only,” Reyes explained. “We will have no problem passing that.”
Island leaders have pinned hopes on the $154 million funds guaranteed in the Covenant to revitalize the economy, but the money has been left idle due to failure to meet the stringent matching requirement.
