By Edwin P. Aldan
Mayor of Tinian
The following remarks were delivered at the Saipan Chamber of Commerce Economic Forum at the Kensington Hotel on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
HÅFA Adai yan Tirow, and good morning everyone.
The military buildup on Tinian represents one of the most significant federal investments in the history of our island. We recognize the strategic importance of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in the Indo-Pacific region, and we understand the important role that Tinian plays in supporting our nation’s security priorities.
As Mayor, I want to emphasize that Tinian is committed to being a reliable and proactive partner.
From the municipal perspective, we have already seen increased contractor activity, infrastructure preparation, and greater engagement from federal agencies. These developments are important, and they also create opportunities for our local workforce and local businesses.
Across the region, we understand that there are more than 30 posture-related projects totaling roughly $2.5 billion in infrastructure requirements, currently in various stages of planning, design, and construction. Today alone, there are about 10 projects valued at approximately $500 million that are funded and moving forward in construction or design.
We also understand that over the next three to six months, the Department of War is considering courses of action on how best to consolidate sustainment contracts for posture projects and exercises.
These numbers highlight the scale of investment and the historic moment our island is experiencing.
However, like many communities experiencing large-scale federal investment, an important question remains: not only how much is being spent, but how much of that spending is circulating within our local economy.
Reports indicate that approximately $12 million annually in tax revenue has been collected as a result of buildup activities on Tinian. That is certainly meaningful revenue for our island. But when compared to the hundreds of millions reportedly being invested, it also raises an important discussion.
We should be asking:
• How many contracts are being awarded to CNMI-based businesses?
• How many long-term jobs are being created for our residents?
• And how much of the investment is truly strengthening our local economy?
These are not criticisms. Rather, they are strategic questions that help ensure the buildup delivers lasting benefits for our community.
One lesson we continue to learn is that early coordination, transparent communication, and the structured inclusion of local businesses are essential to maximizing the economic benefits of federal investment.
Moving forward, I strongly support the systematic tracking and measurement of both economic and social impacts of the buildup — including impacts outside the fence.
While federal investment within secure facilities is important, we must also measure broader impacts such as local business participation, workforce development outcomes, infrastructure capacity, housing demand, and long-term economic sustainability.
When we use data to guide our planning, we move from reacting to growth to managing it proactively.
Looking ahead, there are several areas where we can improve outcomes for both the Department of War and our local communities.
First, we should continue expanding opportunities for local contracting and mentorship for CNMI-based companies.
Second, workforce training programs should align with the needs of Department of War construction and infrastructure projects so that our residents are prepared to participate.
Third, we should strengthen structured engagement between federal planners and municipal leadership so that local concerns and opportunities are addressed early in the process.
Finally, establishing periodic economic impact reporting will help all stakeholders better understand the true impact of these investments.
The military buildup presents a historic opportunity for Tinian and for the Commonwealth. But opportunity alone does not guarantee broad-based economic impact.
With transparency, strong collaboration, and clearly defined goals, we can ensure that Tinian’s role in national defense also strengthens sustainable development for our community.
Tinian stands ready to be a strong strategic partner with our federal partners — committed not only to supporting national defense priorities, but also to ensuring that these efforts translate into meaningful economic opportunity for our people.
Before I close, I would simply like to say thank you. Thank you to the organizers for the invitation, and thank you to everyone here today for taking the time to participate in this important conversation about the future of our region.
We truly value the partnership, collaboration, and continued dialogue that help ensure these investments benefit both our national mission and our island communities.
Si Yu’us Ma’åse, and thank you.
