DPW wants free access to prison project funds
Public Works Secretary John Reyes favors the decision of the House of Representatives Tuesday to reject a bill dealing with the Adult Prison project, saying it contains some provisions that require changes.
Reyes, in particular, noted that House Bill 14-131, which the Senate earlier revised, requires the DPW Secretary to consult first with the Tinian legislative delegation on the use of funds.
“I mean why this hassle? It means we would consult with the delegation every time we need money from the fund. I don’t think it’s necessary,” said Reyes.
Aside from that, the Senate had also added other items to the bill, increasing the proposed appropriations from $2.5 million for the prison project to $3.9 million, to include three projects for Rota and Tinian.
The bill’s Senate version provides that $3.9 million in bond interest proceeds from Capital Improvement Project bond as authorized by Public Law 11-02 will be used for the adult prison project ($2.5 million), construction of hemodialysis centers for Rota and Tinian ($500,000 each), and Tinian and Rota road projects ($200,000 each).
The House voted to reject the bill during its session Tuesday.
House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial appointed Reps. Norman Palacios, Crispin Ogo, and Justo Quitugua to hold a joint discussion with their Senate counterparts to iron out differences on the proposed measure. Fitial tasked the special committee to come up with a report on the bill by tomorrow.
The prison project, a federally mandated prison facility, must be funded immediately to ensure its completion within the year.
Meantime, the Senate indicated that funding for the Rota and Tinian projects are also urgent. It said that both islands have no hemodialysis treatment facilities to meet the needs of a growing number of patients on both places.
“The construction of hemodialysis centers will greatly reduce the inconvenience and hardship for these patients who have to travel to Saipan for their treatment,” it said.
