By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
DEPARTMENT of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul on Tuesday said the increase in territorial highway funding that Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds included in H.R. 8870, or the BUILD (Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th) Act, is welcome news for the CNMI.
He expressed appreciation to King-Hinds for her continued work in Washington, D.C., engaging federal partners on issues that impact the CNMI transportation system.
Yumul said any growth in federal allocation for the Commonwealth “strengthens our ability to maintain and improve critical transportation assets across the islands.” He said even modest annual increases help the CNMI government plan multi-year projects with more stability, address deferred maintenance, and improve safety and resilience in the Commonwealth’s roadway network.
“I appreciate Delegate King-Hinds’ continued work in Washington, D.C., engaging with federal partners on issues that impact our transportation system. DPW will continue coordinating closely with our federal counterparts to ensure these funds translate into real improvements for our community,” the secretary said.
In her e-newsletter on Monday, King-Hinds said the U.S. House of Representatives’ Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved H.R. 8870 last week. She said that during the committee markup, she secured several major priorities for the CNMI in the bipartisan five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill, which invests in America’s roads, bridges, transit systems, rail transportation, and highway and motor carrier safety.
She said key victories for the Commonwealth include:
• Annual Territorial Highway Program funding shared among the territories will increase from $49.8 million today to $56 million by FY2031, with yearly increases of $1.2 million.
• A Government Accountability Office study to review how Territorial Highway Program funding is distributed among the territories. The current formula was created by the Federal Highway Administration in 1992 and has never been updated.
• An increase in Federal Transit Administration funding for the CNMI from $1.6 million annually to $9.8 million annually — an increase of more than 500%.
• Eligibility for the CNMI to receive Federal Transit Administration planning grants.
Creation of a $25 million competitive rural and insular ferry program for rural communities and the four territories. Previous ferry funding was only available to jurisdictions with existing ferry operations.
King-Hinds also announced that the BUILD America 250 Act now advances to the House floor for consideration. She said she looks forward to continuing to work with her colleagues to pass the bill and strengthen highways, public transit, and future ferry transportation opportunities throughout the Marianas.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
