ACTING Finance Secretary Frank B. Villanueva says the former Office of Insular Affairs head during the Clinton administration has offered his services to the commonwealth government.
Villanueva said Ferdinand Aranza is proposing to tap federal grants for the CNMI by securing their immediate release and identifying more sources of U.S. financial assistance.
Aranza will be paid based on the amount of grants he could secure for the CNMI, Villanueva said.
However, he added, Finance has not yet signed a contract with Aranza.
“There is no contract yet. He is just proposing to work with us,” Villanueva said.
Aranza has already discussed his proposal to lawmakers and other administration officials.
In related news, Gov. Juan N. Babauta has announced a new procedure for the submission of grant applications.
In an April 18 memorandum issued to department and activity heads, Babauta said it is “critical” that federal grants be used effectively to be able to implement the goals set by the administration.
The executive branch receives some $27 million in federal grants annually.
In his memorandum, the governor said his senior policy advisor, Robert Schwalbach, will review grant proposals and requests.
Babauta said all announcements of grant awards should also be submitted to the Office of the Governor for “review, revision and distribution to the press.”
He added, “The purpose of this procedure is also to assure that the connection between grants received and the specific goals of this administration is highlighted for the public.”
