CNMI to get $6M for roadway projects

The CNMI government stands to receive some $6 million annually for roadway projects from the federal government, as soon as President Bush signs the Transportation Legacy Act into law.

Over the weekend, CNMI press secretary Pete Callaghan said Bush was expected to approve the enrolled bill, which would fund highways and other transportation projects for the entire country. The bill earmarks some $286.4 billion over a six-year period.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta disclosed at least two projects that would benefit from the measure—the Route 100 in Rota and the Talofofo road and bridge projects on Saipan. He said almost $3 million of the regular funds would be used for the Route 100 project.

“We have been working on this project for the past three years. We are happy that we have finally been included,” Babauta said in a media release.

Callaghan said CNMI projects had never been included in previous highway bills due to the Commonwealth’s lack of representation in the U.S. Congress. Regular allotments of funds were usually distributed by congressional districts, he added.

Callaghan said the governor has spearheaded efforts to ensure the inclusion of the Talofofo project in the highway bill since 2003. The project will link the existing roadway, which ends north of the Kingfisher Golf Links, with the southern end of the roadway in Marpi. The project will also include a bridge to replace the one destroyed by a typhoon in the early 1970s.

“We explained the economic opportunity that this project provides in opening up the northeast part of the island of Saipan and also appealed to the equity of our being included,” Babauta said.

Babauta lauded Alaska Rep. Don Young, Transportation committee chair, for supporting the inclusion of the Talofofo project in the highway bill. He said the bridge would be named after the U.S. lawmaker.

“This is a big accomplishment for the CNMI. We need to make critical investments in our infrastructure and with these funds we can complete some needed projects,” the governor said.

Although the CNMI projects were included in the initial highway bill in late 2003, the measure did not pass Congress in 2004. Babauta sought Young’s support for the CNMI’s inclusion in the 2005 highway bill.

Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente also lauded former CNMI Labor and Immigration Secretary Mark Zachares, who is now senior counsel for the transportation committee. Before the measure passed Congress, Benavente met with senior committee staff for their support.

“Mark played a major role in this process. His participation was essential,” Benavente said.