In a letter, San Nicolas reminded CUC Executive Director Antonio Muna that under Public Law 13-40, the agency is authorized to set agricultural water usage rates for commercial farmers and commercial ranchers at 25 cents per one thousand U.S. gallons of water in areas where there is 24-hour water available, or a flat rate of $25 per month in areas where 24-hour water is not available.
This special rate is applicable to qualified commercial farmers or commercial ranchers upon proof that the applicant has a current business license for commercial farming or ranching.
The applicant must also comply with the business gross revenue tax filling requirements.
According to San Nicolas, Covenant-Tinian, farmers and ranchers should be assisted “especially in this time of economic distress.”
He believes that lowering the water rates will provide an incentive to increase the production of farm goods and livestock industry.
“In line with the governor’s policy changes to offer timely economic relief to farmers and ranchers, it is timely that CUC implement the farmers and ranchers assistance program for reduced water rates in order to encourage and make farming and ranching activities profitable,” San Nicolas said.
He said Tinian used to be known as the “breadbasket of the Marianas.”
Now that Tinian is anticipating the influx of visitors and the military buildup on Guam, the senator expects a huge demand for local meat and farm produces.
“We should take advantage of such opportunities,” San Nicolas told Muna.
