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Inclusion of MVA projects in CIP priority list pushed
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Posted on Jul 02 1999
Rep. Oscar M. Babauta has asked the Office of the Governor to include the $8.5 million Capital Improvement Projects of the Marianas Visitors Authority in the next CIP list which will be matched immediately by the Commonwealth.
Babauta, chair of the House Committee on Commerce and Tourism, said he had sent a letter to Mike Sablan, special advisor on budget on finance, to make sure that MVA infrastructure projects are given priority.
“I would definitely ask the members to assist MVA since tourism is the island’s main economy. We should not only be concerned with promotion but with the improvement of the tourist facilities as well,” said Babauta.
While the Northern Marianas is experiencing a downtrend in visitor arrivals, MVA must take this opportunity to enhance tourist sites in preparation for the influx of tourists onto the island.
Based on the inventory given by Tenorio, there are 11 projects on Saipan amounting to $3.5 million. These are tourist sites on Bird Island, Banzai Cliff, Grotto, Tapochau, Laulau Beach, Sugar King Park, Obyan Beach, Kalabera Cave, Suicide Cliff, Tank Beach, Ladder Beach and Japan Jail.
Nine projects worth $2.7 million have been lined up for Rota, namely Swimming Hole, Taga Quarry, Bird Sanctuary, Ginalangan Command, Sabana Peace Marker, Pona Cliff Park, Tonga Cave, Tweksb. Beach and Guata Beach.
On Tinian island, 10 projects have been identified for improvement amounting to $2.2 million. These are the Kammer Beach, Taga Beach, Suicide Cliff, Carolinas Overlook, Taga Well, Blow Holes and Lasareno Beach.
With limited funds, MVA has slowed down on the implementation of its various infrastructure projects until money is available.
