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$5.8M for Micro Games hangs fire
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Posted on Aug 26 2005
The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs will have to wait a little more to receive a concrete response from the Commonwealth Development Authority on its $5.8-million funding request for the CNMI’s hosting of the 2006 Micronesian Games.
The CDA board of directors discussed the DCCA’s request during a meeting Thursday but, while the board “agreed in principle” that the project was significant, it could not readily approve the request until a funding source was identified, CDA chair Tom Glenn A. Quitugua said.
“CDA cannot give outright that particular amount because we don’t have the money. It’s simply not in our budget. As you know, the current fiscal year does not end until Sept. 30. But we’re looking at all angles,” Quitugua said.
He added that the CDA board is trying to comply with DCCA’s time frame. The department is under pressure to complete the necessary construction and renovation projects in time for the regional sports competition, which is less than a year away.
The proposed projects include construction of a new Olympic-size swimming pool and tennis courts at the Oleai Sports Complex, renovation of the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, installation of additional lighting at the Olympic-standard Oleai track and field, renovation of the Kan Pacific swimming pool, construction of grandstands at the three Oleai Sports Complex fields, and construction of toilet and shower facilities.
DCCA estimates that these infrastructure projects will cost a total of $5.8 million.
“The purpose of these renovations is [to] prioritize enhanced facilities for the CNMI community as a whole, while also increasing business activity in the CNMI through the attraction of regional and international sporting events,” DCCA Secretary Juan L. Babauta has told CDA.
The Micronesian Games is expected to bring about 1,500 to 1,700 athletes, coaches and officials to the CNMI on June 23 to July 7, 2006, he said. (Agnes E. Donato)
