IGIA meeting highlights territories’ concerns

CNMI Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio sought the help of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas Tuesday, stressing the need for assistance with, among others, the potential negative effects of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, the need for comprehensive assistance in health care, and problems with wastewater collection and treatment.

“Since the IGIA is comprised of officials from many federal agencies, it is a good place to begin addressing pressing issues that are affecting us,” said Tenorio. “Many of the territories have similar issues, and the meeting is an opportunity for each to explain our specific needs and problems.”

Tenorio reported on the status of water system improvement projects, and the quest for a Delegate for the CNMI. He has presented these issues before during last year’s Plenary session. As a result, the administration was able to assist with a $1 million appropriation for water and full support of a Delegate.

Other issues that Tenorio discussed included:

* the need to amend Head Note 3(A) of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule;

* the need for more volcanic monitoring in the CNMI; and

* the need for a waiver of the Passenger Facility Charge, which Commonwealth Ports Authority executive director Carlos Salas and Sen. Joseph Mendiola brought to Tenorio’s attention.

During the meeting the U.S. Virgin Islands added its support and need for a waiver of the charge for aircraft with less than 60 seats. “If all four territories request the same waiver, it should be easier for Congress to grant it. I am hoping to hear from American Samoa shortly,” said Tenorio.

The Passenger Facility Charge is similar to a terminal fee that all passengers must pay when passing through any U.S. airport. CPA wants the fee waived for inter-island travelers.

Present at the meeting were more than 50 key officials from various federal agencies, including Interior Secretary Gale Norton, Deputy Secretary Lynn Scarlett, Deputy Assistant Secretary Dave Cohen, Gov. Felix Camacho (Guam), Gov. Charles Turnbull (US Virgin Islands), Gov. Togiola Tulafono (American Samoa), and attorney general Pam Brown and Adam Turner representing Gov. Juan Babauta. The three territorial delegates were also in attendance: Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoa), Donna Christensen (US Virgin Islands) and, Madeleine Bordallo (Guam).

Richard Pierce of the Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association accompanied Tenorio to the meeting.

“I’m very happy with the turnout of this meeting. I feel that the issues affecting the CNMI and the other territories will now be addressed. President Bush and his administration are very supportive of the territories, and Dave Cohen is by far one of the best Deputy Assistant Secretaries we have had in Insular Affairs. I truly believe that we will go a long way in addressing many of these issues this year,” said Tenorio.

Representatives from many federal agencies were there, including the White House, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Homeland Security, Environmental Protection Administration, Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Justice, State, Agriculture, and Transportation departments; Small Business Administration, the Post Service, Treasury, Navy, Transportation Security Administration, and Internal Revenue Service.

During the meeting reports were given by John McCarroll of EPA on the Environmental Infrastructure working group, Regina Schofield (DHHS) on Health Disparities and Health Care, and Eric Solomon (IRS) on the Tax Policy and the American Jobs Creation Act.