About $2.6 million in child tax credits will be distributed to some 3,000 CNMI-based families in the first batch of releases.
The federal child tax credit program is now in its third year of operation in the CNMI.
The child tax credits are paid based on the CNMI Department of Finance’s timely processing of 2007 tax returns.
The child tax credits come very shortly after the Finance Department began releasing U.S. stimulus checks, which are still being processed.
Inos also reports that about 10 to 15 million dollars in CNMI tax rebates should be released in the next 60 days, based on the processing of filed 2007 tax returns.
“We are processing federal child tax credits and stimulus checks and keeping Governor Fitial’s commitment to the timely release of local CNMI refunds and rebates,” said Inos.
The Fitial administration began releasing local tax rebates last Christmas after receiving an additional $26 million in federal cover over funds.
The Fitial administration has reserved some $32 million in federal cover over funds for the release of CNMI rebate and refunds according to CNMI law.
Red flag raised at 4 sites
(DEQ) — The Division of Environmental Quality has raised the red flag on four sites on Saipan and advises the public not to fish or swim within 300 feet of these locations for the next 48 hours or until otherwise notified.
Samples collected from DPW Channel Bridge, Hafa adai drainage, Garapan Fishing Base, and Sugar Dock on Saipan contained excessive concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria – enterococci — that exceeded the CNMI’s marine water quality standards.
These bacteria can indicate the presence of human and animal waste in the water. However, studies have shown that storm water runoff in tropical environments may also contain these bacteria from the natural environment, which may not be directly associated with public health concerns.
East beach waters were sampled this week and are assigned green flags.
DEQ analyzes samples of marine recreational and storm drainage water from 50 locations on Saipan, 10 on Tinian, 12 on Rota and a total of 11 samples from the shore surrounding Managaha. The agency welcomes all inquiries as to the quality of the beach water. The public is encouraged to contact DEQ at 664-8500 with any questions concerning this matter.
DEQ cleanup brigade to meet on July 12
(DEQ) — The Division of Environmental Quality cleanup brigade will be at it again, this time picking up trash at Unai Dankulu Agigan Beach, better known as Coral Ocean Point.
If you would like to volunteer your time to clean and beautify the island, join the cleanup on Saturday, July 12 at 8 a.m.
Many of the items are picnic debris and some household garbage. Gloves, trash bags and refreshments will be provided for volunteers.
Volunteers will clean until 10 a.m. and break for drinks and then if continues, if needed.
Volunteers removed 1440 pounds of debris from Old Man by the Sea on June 7. The DEQ cleanup brigade began in 1996 and continues to maintain clean, healthy beaches.
For more information about volunteering, contact 664-8500.
