The two-lane asphalt road, which will be called Windward Road, is proposed to be constructed near the shoreline northeast of Saipan.
It will stretch about 3.5 miles from Bird Island in Marpi to Talafofo Road that ends at the back road intersection on Capital Hill.
The existing coral road, most of which is currently not passable, is known as Chalan Kalabera.
As recommended by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services following an environmental assessment last year, DLNR has turned the jurisdiction over San Juan farm from the Division of Agriculture to the Division of Fish and Wildlife, said Henry S. Hofschneider, special assistant to the department secretary.
The draft biological opinion prepared by U.S. Fish and Wildlife stated that the 20-hectare land adjacent to the proposed road supports 13 pairs of nightingale reed warblers and a pair of Micronesian megapodes. It also provides foraging habitat for Marianas swiftlets.
According to the draft biological opinion, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration will certify that DLNR transferred all rights, title and interest to the local fish and wildlife division for protection of these species, some of the endemic to the Mariana islands.
The Route 36 construction will restrict the use of the 17 hectares of land that was designated as a Boy Scout camp which is also adjacent to the proposed road.
The draft opinion recommended the DLNR sign a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.
The MOA should describe a compatible use for the area in such a way that the habitat for the nightingale reed warbler is maintained or improved.
No clearing of the land will be allowed until the MOA is signed, the draft opinion stated.
