New law enhances MVA’s promotional abilities

Gov. Arnold I. Palacios has signed into law a Senate bill that is intended to enhance the Marianas Visitors Authority’s ability to attract tourists to visit the CNMI.

Senate Bill 23-02, House Substitute 1, is now Public Law 23-10. The bill expands the MVA’s duties so that it could qualify for available grants without permanently shifting authorities and duties.

The legislation empowers MVA with enhanced promoting capabilities and the ability to tap into sources of funds that otherwise would not be available to it if its duties are not expanded.

Under the new law, MVA’s duties include planning, designing, and proposing projects and programs to enhance the CNMI as a tourist destination on properties not located within 150 feet from high water, without the expressed approval of the Department of Public Lands.

MVA may sponsor events and issue grants for construction projects and programs to increase visitors’ satisfaction, but shall not generate revenue from such events, construction projects, and programs.

Senate President Edith E. DeLeon Guerrero (D-Saipan) introduced the bill last Jan. 10. The Senate unanimously passed it last April 20.

The House of Representatives Commerce and Tourism Committee inserted some changes to the bill by including a sunset provision, among other things. The House subsequently passed the bill last Sept. 7. The Senate then accepted the House’s amendments.