Garapan Public Market project now complete
Palacios
The Department of Lands and Natural Resources announced yesterday the completion of the Garapan Public Market project. The project, which began in January 2014, involved the renovation of the old Fish Market facility at the Garapan Fishing Base for use as a public market.
As part of a congressional appropriation, DLNR was awarded a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2009. The grant was awarded for the renovation and construction of the proposed Garapan Public Market.
Although some initial challenges were encountered with the location of the facility, the project was reinvigorated in 2013 when newly sworn Gov. Eloy S. Inos expressed strong interest to push the project to fruition. That same year, DLNR issued a notice for bid for the renovation project and a contract was issued within a few months. The renovation project began in January 2014. After seven months, the project is now complete and is ready for operation.
DLNR has been working with the Farmer’s Cooperative to set agreements for the management of the facility’s operations. DLNR will be working closely with the organization to ensure the market’s smooth daily operations.
The department is excited to finally be able to present the long awaited public market to our community. “We have been looking forward to establishing a permanent and centralized public market for a long time,” said DLNR Secretary Arnold Palacios. “I am very happy that we are finally seeing the fruition of this project.”
The renovation project was successful through the collaborative efforts of many agencies. DLNR would like to express its appreciation to the Governor’s Office and Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan for providing the support and technical assistance needed for the project. The department also acknowledges the collaboration of the Department of Public Works and the Northern Mariana Housing Corp.
An official opening ceremony is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 18, 2014, at 8:30am at the Garapan Public Market grounds. The public is invited to join the ceremony and witness the unveiling of the Garapan Public Market.(PR)
