LIEUTENANT Gov. Diego T. Benavente is hoping that the administration will address any legal questions that could hamper the release of the Marianas Public Lands Authority’s $1 million grant to Marianas Visitors Authority.
Benavente yesterday said he was also seeking the support of the Legislature in finding ways to address the immediate funding needs of MVA after the Commonwealth Development Authority denied the tourism agency’s $100,000 loan application.
The release of the $1 million loan, however, is being hampered because of legal questions raised by the Office of the Public Auditor, according to MPLA Commissioner Bertha Guerrero.
Guerrero, in a separate interview, said it is “uncertain” whether the grant could be granted due to OPA’s “concerns over legality.”
“It is still going through some review,” Guerrero said.
MPLA, meanwhile, is coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office, she said.
Attorney General Robert T. Torres met with Benavente Wednesday afternoon to discuss the grant.
Torres yesterday said they were “working on it.”
Benavente said he would be meeting with several lawmakers.
“At this point, we are trying to come out with the best way to get that money, assist the tourism industry and improve our economy,” Benavente said.
MPLA is “very supportive” of the government’s efforts, he said.
The $1 million grant from MVA is part of the $2.7 million grant request. The funding will be used to meet MVA’s target of bringing in 100,000 additional tourists by the end of December.
