List of possible projects grows

The CNMI government continues to identify possible projects that could be funded under the $787 billion stimulus package.

As of Friday afternoon, the projects covering a range of government agencies and departments total more than $338 million.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed into law this month, the CNMI is eligible for infrastructure funding in addition to individual tax credits residents will receive. But because the insular areas were unsuccessful in their attempt to allow the Interior Department to distribute their portion, the CNMI must apply and compete against other local governments for the competitive grant money. The CNMI will also receive a set amount of non-competitive formula grant money.

The central government, Public School System and Northern Marianas College have been working feverishly to apply for the competitive grant funding.

During the past week, the list increased from 53 projects totaling $270 million to 76 projects totaling $338 million. The list could continue to grow, said Commerce Secretary Michael Ada, who has been tasked with organizing the effort for funding.

Ada noted that many of the projects added last week are from the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.

Water projects were first dealt with and power projects have been added to the list. CUC is seeking $31.5 million for three power generators, each producing seven megawatts. The utility agency is also seeking $6 million in funding for two two-megawatt generators.

The biggest hurdle is the local vetting process, Ada said. Under the law, all competitive grant applications must go through one person, usually the governor. Each agency cannot simply submit its own application to the appropriate federal agency. That provision was buried within the several-hundred page law, so it was a good thing the law was read all the way through, Ada said.

The last thing the government wants to do is identify possible projects and not follow the proper procedures, he added.

The CNMI is moving along well with the application process, Ada said. By March 13, the infrastructure projects will be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget.

Ada said a couple aspects of the Act disappoint government officials.

First, both American Samoa and Puerto Rico will receive increased funding for the Nutrition Assistance Program but the CNMI will not.

“NAP is really critical, especially on Rota and Tinian,” Ada said.

Also, it was discovered that the CNMI Department of Public Health is the only U.S. jurisdiction not to have the section 330 designation, which impedes its chance to receive some federal grants.

The CNMI will continue to identify projects as long as money is available, Ada said.

For a listing of all projects, visit www. Commerce.gov.mp.