THE Department of Public Lands is asking the Senate to support a proposal to amend Public Law 23-9 or the Fiscal Year 2024 Appropriation Act so DPL can utilize the $1 million settlement fund due to the department as a result of an anti-trust lawsuit more than 10 years ago involving Kan Pacific, which owned the now defunct Mariana Resort & Spa.
In 2013, DPL sued Kan Pacific for subleasing the Marpi property without the department’s consent.
The FY 2024 budget or P.L. 23-9, appropriates over $4.9 million in public land revenues to DPL.
In December 2023, Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao introduced House Bill 23-91 to include the $1 million settlement fund in DPL’s FY 2024 budget.
H.B. 23-91 passed the House and is now with the Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee.
In her letter Friday to the committee’s chairman, Senate Vice President Donald Manglona, DPL Secretary Teresita A. Santos said the proposed amendment to the FY 2024 budget “is critical” for DPL so it can utilize the $1 million settlement money “for strategic and essential purposes.”
Santos provided the Senate committee the following list of how DPL will spend the money:
1) $365,000 for DPL’s Compliance Division. This sum will fund the procurement of a vessel for the Managaha rangers, and for the operational needs on Managaha and the former Mariana Resort in Marpi.
2) $35,000 for a car for the DPL secretary. According to Santos, “Our operation efficacy is currently hindered by a limited fleet. An investment of $35,000 in a new vehicle will substantially enhance our field operations and executive mobility, ensuring efficient and timely execution of duties.”
3) $200,000 for land use plan development. A pivotal allocation is required for the review of DPL’s land use plan, Santos said. This foundational document will guide the equitable and sustainable use of CNMI’s public lands, forming the bedrock of our future land management strategies, she added.
4) $100,000 for surveys on Rota and Tinian. Santos said this is critical to the planning and development of homestead subdivisions. This endeavor, she added, is central to DPL’s mission to promote sustainable development. “This investment covers all associated expenses to ensure comprehensive and effective surveying activities,” she said.
5) Fund transfer to the Marianas Public Land Trust. Santos said in compliance with the CNMI Constitution, “we anticipate the transfer of an estimated sum to MPLT at the end of fiscal year. This transfer is not only a statutory obligation but also a reflection of our commitment to responsible stewardship and the enhancement of CNMI’s public land resources.”
