During a CPA committee meeting in the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting classroom, CUC Executive Director Gary Camacho informed CPA board members that CUC received a $7.3 million grant from Federal Emergency Management Agency for standby power plants.
One will be located at Isley Field and will provide 1.5 megawatts of power to ensure an uninterrupted water supply in the event of natural disasters. It can also provide emergency backup power for the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, Camacho told the CPA board.
On Rota, CUC will construct a 1.5-MW power plant near the Rota International Airport. It will provide emergency power to the airport and residents of the nearby Sinapalo village in case Rota Power Plant 1 is unable to supply electricity due to a natural disaster.
Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Executive Director Gary Camacho, right, gestures as he speaks during a meeting with Commonwealth Ports Authority officials in the CPA Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting classroom on Thursday. Also in photo is CPA Executive Director Christopher Tenorio. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
Camacho said the new power generation facilities, once completed, will not be used regularly, but only during an emergency that can affect the water supply.
Yvonne Cabrera of the CUC water division said that the proposed standby power plant at Isley Field can also provide water to southern Saipan.
For the proposed standby power plant on Rota, Camacho said CUC is hoping to obtain CPA property either through a long-term lease or permanent purchase.
On Saipan, the transfer of a portion of CPA property at Isley Field would be preferable, he added.
CPA Board Chairwoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds said the proposal could be a “win-win” situation for the CNMI, but she wants to see more details.
