Felipe Atalig, in an interview yesterday, said the Department of Public Lands has approved the designation of the existing roundhouse and surrounding parcel of land as a monument honoring past and present leaders of the CNMI.
Atalig said a consultant has been tasked to, among other things, identify possible sources of funding for the project that will be undertaken by the council.
He said they may submit the proposal to the governor’s office so that it can be funded by the federal stimulus package.
Atalig said the memorial courtyard will show that the council is “productive” despite its limited money and legislative powers.
Besides the CNMI’s governors and mayors, the memorial courtyard will also honor legislators, municipal council members, executive and district administrators and members of the judiciary as well as local leaders from the Spanish, German, Japanese, U.S. Navy and Trust Territory administrations.
Led by Chairwoman Antonia M. Tudela last year, the council unveiled the project as part of its neighborhood revitalization and enhancement initiative.
