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Federal officials arrive for monument discussion
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Posted on Oct 19 2008
Washington, D.C.-based Council on Environmental Quality Chairman James L. Connaughton arrived on Saipan yesterday afternoon along with two other federal officials to discuss the White House’s bid to establish a national marine monument around CNMI’s three northernmost islands.
About 65 members and supporters of the Friends of the Monument, a group of local residents backing the national marine monument proposal, welcomed the visitors—Connaughton, Coastal Quality’s Sean A. Morton, and Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife and Parks Assistant Secretary Lyle Laverty—at Hyatt Regency Saipan.
The federal officials came from Guam after visiting Hawaii and American Samoa.
Friends of the Monument Chairman Ignacio Cabrera said they are really inspired with the arrival of the federal officials.
Cabrera said the visitors are very glad when they greeted them with a warm welcome to the island.
He said Connaughton’s group is scheduled to have a meeting with Gov. Benigno R. Fitial this morning.
The group will also have a meeting with the lawmakers during the joint Senate and House session at 11am today, Monday.
Cabrera said from 5:30pm to 7:30pm also Monday the visitors will conduct a public forum at Fiesta Resort and Spa.
President Bush seeks to establish a 115,000 square mile national marine monument around the islands of Maug, Asuncion, d Uracus.
