Palacios leaves for DC meetings
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios left the CNMI on Tuesday for a meeting this week with senior leaders of federal agencies and military branches in Washington, D.C.
According to the Office of the Governor, these high-level talks with senior leaders of federal agencies and military will focus on key needs of the CNMI, including leveraging federal assistance for infrastructure projects and further diversifying the Commonwealth’s economic base.
In his visit to the nation’s capital, Palacios will meet with leaders from the U.S. Department of Defense, including senior representatives from different military branches. The discussions will include the urgent need for critical infrastructure improvements on all three islands and other projects and activities as part of broader efforts to advance the DOD’s regional initiatives.
Palacios will also be meeting with U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, assistant secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen Cantor, and deputy assistant secretary Keone Nakoa to continue discussions initiated last year relating to technical assistance, grant programs, and other funding opportunities.
Palacios will also discuss critical improvements needed for the CNMI’s air and seaports with representatives of the U.S. Department of Transportation, including senior leaders from the Maritime Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Commonwealth Ports Authority board chair Jose Ayuyu will accompany Palacios on these meetings.
The Office of the Governor noted that Palacios’ travel is funded through federally-sourced grants. It is the first off-island trip of the governor this year.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios
