AMIM plenary sessions focus on funding opportunities, regional collaboration

HAGAT, Guam—The Association of Mariana Island Mayors convened for a series of plenary sessions on Nov. 15, presided over by Tinian mayor and AMIM president Edwin P. Aldan. The sessions provided a forum for crucial discussions on funding opportunities and strategic regional collaboration.

Aldan used the meeting to inform his fellow mayors about significant grant opportunities available through the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. The OLDCC is a Department of Defense organization that supports communities affected by defense activities by providing grants to enhance infrastructure, economic diversification, and other needs in areas impacted by military installations.

During his remarks, Aldan emphasized the unique situation in the CNMI, particularly on Tinian, where areas “outside the fence” are adjacent to or integrated with Tinian infrastructure. While OLDCC funding for fiscal year 2024 has been allocated to the Governor’s Office, Aldan expressed optimism, sharing that Tinian has been identified as a priority for future funding. He remains hopeful that the municipality will receive financial support from OLDCC to address community needs linked to military presence.

Aldan also underscored the importance of AMIM’s continued partnership with key military commands, including Joint Region Marianas and the United States Indo-Pacific Command or USINDOPACOM. He suggested that maintaining strong ties with these organizations would ensure that Mariana Island communities are well-informed about ongoing and upcoming military activities in the Pacific region. This, he added, would enable local governments to seize opportunities that could benefit residents and foster sustainable growth.

The plenary sessions concluded with a reaffirmation of the mayors’ commitment to collaboration and shared progress for the Mariana Islands. (PR)