American Memorial Park to get facelift
The American Memorial Park will soon get a much-needed facelift once a proposal to float bonds worth $2 million is approved by the CNMI government to finance three key projects in the popular recreation site, according to Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan.
Anticipated to be completed before 2001, the plan will call for improvement of the nature trail as well as the construction of a track and field oval and a flower-bearing garden to be called the Marianas Memorial Garden within the park grounds.
In an interview with reporters last Friday, Sablan said the Commonwealth Development Authority and the Marianas Public Land Trust will jointly undertake the proposed bond flotation.
This move is in line with the measure passed by the Legislature which allowed CDA to seek loans of up to $2 million for beautification and improvement projects at the Park.
Under the bill offered by Rep. Heinz Hofschneider, the debt service will be paid through the interests accumulated under the $7 million existing CDA funds set aside from lease on public lands to the federal government.
Likewise, the island government is eyeing federal grants to build a cultural center also at the American Memorial Park. The project is estimated to cost at least $2 million.
At present, Washington allots half-a-million dollars each year to the Commonwealth for maintenance and development of national parks on the island, while the local government chips in at least $100,000.
For FY 2000, CNMI has proposed raising its share to $150,000 while the federal government will increase its assistance to $800,000.
The development and improvement of the American Memorial Park comes amid attempt by local lawmakers to seek control of the 20-hectare site from U.S. authorities in a move that will remove federal money in the upkeep and maintenance of the park grounds and facilities.
The Senate has passed a measure that would authorize and empower the governor to request the U.S. Department of the Interior to transfer administration of the park to the CNMI government.
Senate Bill 11-126 or the American Memorial Park Transfer Act of 1999 has been tossed to the House Natural Resources Committee before it heads to the floor for final voting.
