FINANCE Secretary David DLG Atalig said implementation strategies were among the topics discussed at the recently concluded National Governors Association Infrastructure Summit in Annapolis, Maryland, which he attended.
In a media briefing on KKMP radio Tuesday, Atalig said under the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law by President Joe Biden in November, the CNMI will be provided with federal funds to improve the internet service and communications on the islands, including the Northern Islands.
He said the Torres administration’s goal is to provide all CNMI residents with better access and a higher speed of internet connectivity for all, including those who are underserved.
“Hopefully we can also bring in a high-tech industry to the Marianas,” Atalig said, adding that the CNMI will also receive federal funding for roads and transportation.
This can help subsidize the shipping costs to Tinian and Rota to help reduce the prices of commodities on both islands, Atalig said.
He added that the administration also wants to work with Guam in reducing the costs of transporting goods between the Commonwealth and the territory. “The end result is save money and get fresher products quicker.”
Atalig said the administration is also looking for federal funds for green energy items.
“There are great federal funding opportunities for us, and we will apply and compete for them,” he added.
U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan earlier said that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will provide the CNMI with these benefits:
• $24 million for highways over the next five-year period.
• $7 million for the Marianas public transit system.
• Eligibility to compete for a pool of $7.5 billion for road projects that focus on climate change and user safety.
• $25 million to make broadband more available and more affordable; Marianas families with incomes up to 200% of the federal poverty level will be eligible for a new $30 per month broadband subsidy and a $100 device subsidy to help connect to the internet.
• $30 million for the Commonwealth Ports Authority to increase airport safety and make the gateways to the Marianas more comfortable and efficient.
• $24 million in new money for water infrastructure.
Securing funding for water infrastructure was something that he has made a “focus” of his work in Congress Kilili said, adding: “Annual funding for Marianas water systems was less than $1 million when I arrived in Washington, but by enacting changes in the funding formulae I have been able to raise $88.6 million since then, bringing 24-hour water to Saipan.”
David DLG Atalig
