Federal help sought to establish port facilities in Northern Islands

Northern Islands Mayor Joseph T. Ogumoro is seeking the assistance of the United States Navy and the defense department in the rehabilitation of the Pagan Airport Runway in efforts to reinstate day-time commercial commuter operations on the island.

Mr. Ogumoro said rehabilitation of the Pagan Commuter Airport and the construction of a Seaplane Ramp will help in the safe and successful resettlement of the group of islands north of Saipan, as well as initiate economic development programs and activities.

In a recent letter, the mayor sought the assistance of U.S. Pacific Command Admiral Dennis Blair and Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office-Hawaii Chief Ed Domdoma.

“Because of limited funding and other financial austerity measures which are still in effect in the CNMI government, your help is requested in authorizing the use of U.S. military assets in the construction of the Pagan runway and seaplane ramp,” he told Mr. Blair and Mr. Domdoma.

Mr. Ogumoro also raised the possibility of the U.S. Navy and the DRMO helping the Northern Islands Mayor Office’s efforts to build other transport facilities on Anatahan, Alamagan and Agrigan.

“We have been informed that the Seabees have some of the most experienced and dedicated engineers with expertise in the construction of airport runways and seaport facilities, as well as the extensive knowledge on local and federal environmental laws and requirements,” he added.

The project outcome, Mr. Ogumoro pointed out, will have a significant and profound impact in the improvement of the CNMI’s overall economy and the Northern Islanders’ standard of living.

According to Mr. Ogumoro, there is a need to construct basic air and sea port facilities, as well as other infrastructure projects, in the Northern Islands to clear the road for the area’s economic growth.

The mayor previously asked Ports Authority Board Chair Roman S. Palacios and Executive Director Carlos H. Salas to provide his office the requirements set by both local and federal governments in putting up transport facilities.

Airport facilities in the Northern Marianas are under direct supervision by the Federal Aviation Administration, which sets the standards for new and ongoing projects that relate to air transport facilities.

Mr. Ogumoro is confident private investors would be willing to undertake the infrastructure projects in the Northern Islands since current economic conditions cripple the government from coughing out funds to carry out the construction.

The mayor is currently preparing a proposal for the creation of the Northern Islands Economic Incentive Program which will be submitted for approval to the CNMI Legislature.

The economic incentive program will outline the local government’s response to the numerous business inquiries it has been receiving from interested investors, the mayor said.

The Northern Islands Mayor’s Office (NIMO) earlier sought the assistance of Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, the Legislature, and the Board of Public Land in the implementation of the homestead program in the area.