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FOR CIP PROJECTS Legislature okays $30M for PSS
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Posted on Jul 30 1999
A bill appropriating nearly $30 million in various infrastructure projects of the Public School System is awaiting signature by the governor after both the House of Representatives and the Senate passed the proposal this week.
The funding came from the recent sale of the PSS bonds worth some $15.6 million which were used to match equal amount of federal construction grants under the Capital Improvement Projects/Covenant program.
A total of $29.96 million have been earmarked by the Board of Public Education to several school building plans and other infrastructure development projects of the PSS.
Saipan receives the highest funding level at $22.47 million, while both Rota and Tinian have similar allocation of $3.74 million each as provided under the seven-year CIP master plan of the Commonwealth.
Among the projects included in the appropriations are the much-delayed completion of the Marianas High School Gymnasium and the construction of the new Saipan High School.
The Commissioner of Education will have the expenditure authority over the funds in coordination with the CIP administrator under the Office of the Governor, according to House Bill 11-443 sponsored by Ways and Means chair Rep. Karl T. Reyes.
The legislation is necessary to begin use of the funds made available by the bond flotation and from the federal government, which island leaders hope will help stimulate the sluggish economy of the CNMI.
This is the third CIP appropriations passed by the Legislature this year intended to tap about $154 million in construction funding from Washington and matching amount by the CNMI.
Another similar legislation, which is also pending before the governor’s office, will allow the Commonwealth Development Authority to float bonds worth $60 million to finance the remaining balance from the multi-year financial assistance from Washington.
Meanwhile, members of the Legislature have also passed another measure which would include roof repair and other related needs in the $450,000 earlier set aside by the government for MHS.
HB 11-442, offered by House Vice Speaker Jesus T. Attao, is now also awaiting action of the governor.
