CNMI’s homeland security plan OK’d
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved on May 7 the CNMI’s Homeland Security Plan, paving the way for the release of $5.8 million that would be used to strengthen the Northern Marianas’ security measures.
Emergency Management Office director Rudy Pua disclosed Sunday that the approval letter from the Office of Domestic Preparedness informing the CNMI government of its approval was received Friday.
Pua said the decision came out on May 7 but official notification was received only last week.
With the approval, the CNMI is poised to receive the ODP’s funding allocation for fiscal year 2004 amounting to $5.8 million. The funding assistance comes every two years, he added.
“We could use the money based on the strategy and security plan submitted by the CNMI government. This would increase security measures in all three islands,” said the EMO director in an interview.
The CNMI government resubmitted its CNMI Homeland Security Plan last month to the ODP following an initial rejection, reportedly due to formatting errors.
Pua said the plan was resubmitted after minor changes in the formatting. The plan also incorporated additional information submitted by all affected agencies and departments.
“The plan focuses on the government’s version of homeland security and, with the help of the Federated Sector Enterprises Science Applications International Group, we were able to get that funding,” said Pua.
The CNMI anticipates to receive an estimated $40 million in total homeland security funding assistance in the next few years to beef up security measures in the Northern Marianas.
Press information officer Peter Callaghan said the approval of the CNMI Homeland Security Plan is good news and, at a minimum, the CNMI will receive $5.8 million for this fiscal year.
“This would harden the airport, seaport, CUC facilities, and others. This is definitely a good news for the CNMI,” said Callaghan.
The plan is generally intended to secure some $40 million-plus in federal funding for the next five years to fortify protection of CNMI airports, seaports, power and water generation facilities, training, equipment and exercises. The Federated Sector Enterprises, whose managing partner is Danny Aranza, prepared the strategic plan.
With the approval, the CNMI would be in a stronger position to access a wide variety of homeland security programs from the Transportation Security Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the departments of Homeland Security, Energy, Agriculture, Justice, and Health and Human Services, among others.
