(Office of the Governor) — Acting Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority on Thursday led an official handoff of an ADA-accessible van to Mayor Efraim M. Atalig for transportation services for manamko’ and persons with disabilities on Rota as part of COTA’s expansion of services on Rota and Tinian.
Following the aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut on Rota and Super Typhoon Yutu on Tinian in the fall of 2018, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, then-Senate President Palacios, and CNMI leadership recognized an urgent need to expand transportation services on the two islands for alternative forms of transportation, specifically for the elderly and persons with physical disabilities. This prompted COTA to coordinate with the CNMI Disability Network Partners to acquire ADA-accessible vehicles for the communities of Rota and Tinian.
The amount for these two ADA-accessible vans is $204,990. Through the collaborative efforts with the 20th Legislature led by then-House of Ways and Means Chairman Angel A. Demapan, $150,000 was appropriated to fund these vehicles, while $59,990 came from the COTA’s local revenue collections. Tinian is scheduled to receive its van later this month.
“May this vehicle assist with Rota’s community needs today and for the future, as we work together to expand the public transportation service here,” said acting Governor Palacios. “Our commitment remains as we begin the work up ahead with upcoming infrastructure projects that includes a maintenance facility and fleet for Rota in FY 2022 and FY 2023.”
“Eight years ago, we already had discussions about having accessible transportation on the island of Rota since the creation of COTA through Public Law 17-43,” said Special Assistant for Public Transportation Alfreda C. Maratita.
“Thank you to Governor Torres and acting Governor Palacios for prioritizing these efforts and supporting the much-needed services for the elderly and those with special needs and/or disabilities on the island of Rota. Special recognition to Mayor Atalig and his amazing support team for the hospitality and continued partnership on Rota. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation and gratitude to our dear residents of Rota, the CNMI Disability Network Partners, representatives, and your families for your patience and understanding as we worked through the process of successfully procuring this transit vehicle for all residents to get where you need to go conveniently and safely. Let this vehicle serve as a symbol of our commitment and continued support as we journey forward together and strengthen our ties with one another as more and more public transit opportunities flourish through the beautiful island of Rota,” Special Assistant Maratita added.
Acting Gov. Arnold I. Palacios signs the agreement handing off the COTA van to Rota with Mayor Efraim M. Atalig and Special Assistant for Public Transportation Alfreda C. Maratita in the Rota mayor’s conference room.
Special Assistant for Public Transportation Alfreda C. Maratita poses in front of the COTA van for Rota with members of her staff and Rota disability network partners.
Acting Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Mayor Efraim M. Atalig, Special Assistant for Public Transportation Alfreda C. Maratita, members of the Rota Mayor’s staff, Rota disability network partners pose for a photo during the official key turnover ceremony at the Rota Mayor’s Office.
