GOVERNOR Arnold I. Palacios and other CNMI officials on Friday cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the newly paved Industrial Drive or Route 323 in Puerto Rico, Saipan.
The $1.3 million project, which involves paving the road from the Port of Saipan to Army Reserve headquarters, is funded by the Commonwealth Ports Authority and various local appropriation measures passed by the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation, Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul said.
“So the funding did not come from the federal government. It was a collaboration between the CPA board, which made the funding available, and the SNILD, which passed three local [appropriation] laws,” he said.
The road leads to the Port of Saipan, which he said is vital to commerce and tourism.
He thanked the contractor, RNV Construction for “spectacular work.”
In his remarks, the governor said the Industrial Drive improvement project “is another testament to our Commonwealth’s determination to see through infrastructure progress and, ultimately, the betterment of our island community.”
He said the ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolizes more than just a repaved road. It represents another major step toward a more connected and better-maintained infrastructure for the islands, he added.
He said the improved road, which was designed to withstand heavier loads, will “undoubtedly lead to efficiency in the movement of goods, enhanced safety, and economic activity of the islands and an improved quality of life for all the residents.”
The governor acknowledged the “extensive collaboration” that resulted in making the project a reality. He recognized the dedication of the DPW and CPA teams, the support of the Saipan delegation and other members of the Legislature, as well as the contributions of other government agencies, private sector companies, hard-working construction crew, engineers, planners and all whose efforts “we commemorate today.”
He said as “more and more ground breakings and ribbon cuttings are coming down the pipeline, we stand even more committed to powering through to the completion of more infrastructure projects that will bring jobs, contribute to our economic growth, and expand our islands’ resiliency.”
Quality of life
In an interview after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, CPA Board Chair Kimberlyn King-Hinds said it was a “very exciting day.”
“When you think about this project, you think about what it is for. And for me this is about the community members that work here. There are a lot of businesses here and people use this road to go and access Gov. Eloy S. Inos Peace Park. This is an improvement to the quality of life. I am excited for the Ports of Saipan, I am excited for the people of Commonwealth but I am most excited about what this means for the people who work at the port,” she said.
Lifeline
Port Operators and Users Committee Chairman Jose Quan said Industrial Drive is not just a pathway. “It’s the lifeline of our island’s economy and our community. Its state has a direct impact on the experience of our visitors, and it was imperative that we made its improvement a priority.”
He thanked the CPA board “for their visionary leadership and CPA Executive Director Christopher Tenorio for his tireless work.”
Quan likewise thanked DPW as well as Senate President Edith Deleon Guerrero and Speaker Edmund Villagomez for securing local funds critical to the project’s completion.
Quan said the offices of the governor and lt. governor also played “a pivotal role in supporting this endeavor.”
He told Governor Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang: “Your commitment to improving the lives of our citizens and the experience of our visitors has not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for your continued support.”
Gateway
Noting that CPA is the gateway to economic development, CPA Board Seaport Committee Chairman Pete P. Reyes said he was “proud to say that today, we have made it a reality,” referring to the newly improved road that “will not only make it easier for transportation of goods but will also boost our economy.”
Reyes said the port is “a significant hub for trade and commerce, and we understand the importance of efficient transportation links, which is why this project has been a priority for our agency and port users.”
He said the new road will help “create jobs, increase economic activity and attract new businesses to the area and will also improve the efficiency of transportation of goods to and from the port, reducing congestion and travel time.”
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, center, and other CNMI officials cut the ceremonial ribbon for the newly paved Industrial Drive in Puerto Rico, Saipan, on Friday.
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios delivers his speech.
Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul talks about the Industrial Drive improvement project.
Commonwealth Ports Authority Board Seaport Committee Chairman Pete P. Reyes delivers his remarks.
Port Operators and Users Committee Chairman Jose Quan speaks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Industrial Drive.
