Commission lays out $372M infrastructure projects

The commission that was created to draft a five-year economic recovery plan for the CNMI has identified several major infrastructure projects worth of $372 million that could be implemented to kick-start the slumping economy.

The 18-member Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Commission presented the proposed projects during public hearings on Rota, Tinian and Saipan the past week.

But that amount could still rise since the commission has yet to put a tag price on other projects included in the five-year plan.

The multi-million infrastructure projects include improvement in transportation and road facilities, education, workforce capability building, rehabilitation of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. and wastewater system, public health, Commonwealth Ports Authority, destination enhancement and other projects.

Commission chair Lynn Knight said these projects are needed to address the challenges that the CNMI economy is facing.

One of the more ambitious projects is the acquisition of a $40 million interisland superferry that is seen to benefit economic development for Saipan, Tinian, Rota and Guam.

A ship building facility is also being considered.

But the biggest project being proposed is the $100 million expansion and upgrading of the islands’ existing water infrastructure to meet U.S. quality and quantity standards.

Aside from that, the EPA stipulated order provides focus and direction to meet Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act requirements worth $12 million.

Another part of the plan is a $20 million fund for resurfacing and repaving of secondary roads as well as purchase of additional signs.

Another project worth $6 million is the replacement of 12 traffic light systems and an additional $3 million for the use of solar powered street lighting.

In education, the commission is batting for additional classrooms for full time kindergarten, repairs and maintenance at schools worth $5.635 million, upgrading of IT facilities at schools, and $15 million for the renovation of the Northern Marinas College.

The commission is also eyeing a $600,000 fund for the creation of a small business incubator, including training.

The commission said the rehabilitation and maintenance of the CUC could amount to $6.8 million but they are also pushing for alternative sources of energy such as exploration of geothermal power as a long-term solution.

It is also eyeing $45 million for the rehabilitation of 38 lift stations for the wastewater collections system and the upgrading of the Sadog Tasi and Agingan wastewater treatment plants for up to $4 million in funding.

The biggest project for the wastewater system would be the $25 million Kagman sewer system.

For airport improvement, the Commission eyes $1 million for a PA system, aside from the $35 million renovation of the terminal building that includes $18 million for the arrival area and $4 million for other building renovations.

There is also a plan to renovate the runway by 2010 that could amount from $15 million to $20 million.

In tourism, the commission eyes $3 million annually in additional promotions to stabilize international air service.

Other needed funds include $2 million for revitalization of the Paseo de Marianas by adding shade and bathroom facilities; the building of a $3 million international sports complex; $15 million for the Kalabera Cave project and $1.5 million for the Susupe Lake improvement.

The commission said the funds will come from local funds, federal grants, federal economic stimulus package, private development, privatization, public-private partnerships and private charitable foundations.