THE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has started soliciting comments from federal, state and local entities regarding the proposed rehabilitation of Rota’s East Harbor.
This is part of the process that also involves the CNMI Department of Public Works’ seeking a Department of the Army permit for the project.
DPW said Rota’s East Harbor is in “dangerous” condition, and in need of major rehabilitation.
At least $3 million is needed to complete the three-phased project.
Phase I, which is the subject of the current application, would reconstruct existing structures in and along the harbor, and restore the dredged area within the harbor.
In a public notice, the Army Corps said the decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact, including cumulative impacts, of the proposed activity on the public interest.
That decision, according to the Army Corps, will reflect the national concern for the protection and utilization of important resources.
“The benefit which reasonably may be expected to accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments,” the Army Corps said.
The deadline for submitting comments to the Army Corps is on June 3.
The Army Corps said the proposed project is not expected to have any impact on the CNMI’s essential fish habitat zone.
