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Legislature OKs backpack manufacturing on Rota
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Posted on Mar 18 2005
The CNMI Legislature has approved the setting up of up to two manufacturing permits on Rota for backpacks, fannypacks, and or flexible container packs.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives approved Senate Bill 14-63, which amends the Commonwealth Code to allow the licensure and operations of manufacturing firms on Rota.
Proponents of the bill said that it would stimulate the economy of Rota, which they said have been unable to generate opportunities sufficient to provide investment and employment opportunities for its citizens.
The bill provides that the Department of Finance may issue and renew up to two business licenses “for the purpose of manufacturing backpacks, fannypacks, and flexible liquid container packs without regard to the materials comprising the packs.”
Under the bill, the governor shall allow the hiring of needed nonresident workers for the business, provided that the employer has invested at least $1 million in either a major new development or the expansion of an existing development on Rota.
Meantime, in passing the bill, the House added a provision, which requires an entity granted the permit to pay a user fee in addition to all other applicable fees and taxes.
It said that the Rota Legislative Delegation may impose fees and in any other way regulate the operations.
The bill goes back to the Senate for review of the House amendment.
S.B. 14-63 is authored by Sen. Diego M. Songao of Rota.
