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US House backs CNMI water, ports
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Posted on Jul 19 2005
The U.S. House of Representatives passed late last week, the Water Resources Development Act of 2005. Within the bill, H.R. 2864, are several measures that will greatly benefit the CNMI. First is the authorization of $20 million for water related infrastructure. Second is the waiver of local cost sharing requirements of up to $500,000 for all studies and projects; and third, the bill recommends that projects in the CNMI and other territories do not have to be justified solely by national economic development benefits.
“This bill is good news for the CNMI, as it will help us address some of our more critical problems with water and ocean transportation,” said Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio. “Our work with Congress over the last three years is beginning to pay off for the people. Both the governor and I have lobbied for these measures.”
“The funds for Saipan water projects are desperately needed to address our many water problems. I look forward to the day, as all of us do, when we have drinkable water running in our faucets 24 hours a day. We need this for the health of our people, and our economic development,” said Tenorio. “The assistance with harbor projects for Rota and Tinian is also very important, their harbors are in great need of work, and the provisions in this bill will make it much easier for that work to be accomplished as soon as possible. The Rota and Tinian harbors are vital to their economic development.”
A similar bill has already passed the Senate, but did not contain the provisions that benefit the CNMI. A conference committee is scheduled after the August recess to iron out the differences.
“We have to thank the leadership of our good friend, chairman Don Young of the House Transportation Committee. I know that he will continue to support our requests for these sections,” added Tenorio. (PR)
