Funded 75 percent by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and 25 percent by the U.S. Office of Insular Affairs, the projects started in July 2009 and were completed last March 25, CNMI Water Task Force chairman Pete Sasamoto said.
The projects involve the construction of building enclosures for the electrical control panel of each water well, the relocation of power drop lines, the installation of new control panels, underground conduits and a new chain link fence as well as the construction of an exterior concrete pad surrounding the water wells.
Fitial said the completion of the projects “is another affirmation of the CNMI’s commitment to prudently expending federal funds for the benefit of our island community.”
He said his administration remains committed to pursuing infrastructure projects that are of great importance to the community.
He recognized the water task force, OIA and the CIP Office for coordinating and facilitating the projects.
Through their commitment and collaboration and with the contractor, ASC Construction, Fitial said, “we now have 36 new and enclosed control rooms for our water wells.”
The FEMA’s total share under its hazard mitigation grant amounted to $597,000 while OIA provided $199,000 for the project.
“As part of our assurance to the people of the commonwealth, my administration will continue to support infrastructure development throughout our villages. We will continue working to avail of more funding opportunities to meet the infrastructure needs of the various communities throughout our commonwealth,” Fitial said.
Emergency Management Office Director Jack Omar said the projects are part of EMO’s pre-disaster mitigation program.
