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MVA seeks meeting with DPL to resolve dispute on tourist sites
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Posted on Nov 01 2000
The Marianas Visitors Authority Board is seeking a meeting with the Division of Public Lands Board in a move to finally resolve the issue on which agency should handle tourist sites on the island.
According to MVA Board Chair Dave M. Sablan, the tourism agency should still be given the right to maintain the tourist sites since they are the ones spending for the maintenance.
But DPL is apparently not keen on surrendering its authority over the 135 tourist sites after the Superior Court had earlier ruled that it is the right agency which should oversee these areas. DPL has been collecting payment from concessionaires in these sites since the court ruling was issued.
Mr. Sablan said jurisdiction over these sites should be given to MVA since the agency has continued to do upkeep work in anticipation of the approval of a pending legislation which will revert back to MVA its custody.
In an effort to insure that maintenance of these sites remain uninterrupted, MVA has pressed the DPL Board to turnover the responsibility to the tourism agency.
MVA is planning to develop a master plan for the tourist sites that will highlight its historical and cultural significance. Mr. Sablan said the comprehensive plan to develop these sites will include information on the cultural heritage of the people.
MVA has already sought additional funding from the Legislature for the repair of the different tourist sites to highlight the historical value and cultural significance of at least 35 memorial monuments.
