A GROUNDBREAKING ceremony was held Thursday for the Garapan Fishing Base shoreline project.
Present for the ceremony were various officials, including Governor Ralph DLG Torres and CNMI Department of Public Lands and Natural Resources secretary Anthony T. Benavente, contractors, and community members.
The project involves the construction of a revetment or retaining wall along the land-lagoon interface to stabilize the shoreline at Garapan Fishing Base.
This will reduce erosion and improve water quality in the Saipan lagoon and protect public land and infrastructure.
Project civil engineer Andre A. Tenorio presented the scope of the project, which he said will span from the outlet channel to the end of the property.
Gov. Torres thanked Secretary Benavente and DLNR for their work in getting this project underway, highlighting the importance of the Garapan Fishing Base as a place of recreation and sustenance for community members.
“This has always been one of the best fishing, commercial, and recreational areas [in the CNMI],” said Secretary Benavente.
“It means a lot to all of us,” the governor said. “We use this place for numerous reasons, whether it’s the Sabalu Market, our co-op, the Taste of the Marianas, and… all of the other occasions and events that we host.”
Officials led by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres break ground at Garapan Fishing Base where a shoreline project is now underway to reduce erosion and improve water quality in the Saipan lagoon.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres highlights the importance of Garapan Fishing Base to the island community.
CNMI Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Anthony T. Benavente delivers his remarks.
