Ada told the Variety that the grant application was scheduled to be submitted to the U.S. Economic Development Administration yesterday.
“We are scheduled to do a presentation in Seattle, Washington on Nov. 17 to explain why we need this grant for the business incubator project, and I’m optimistic that we will get this grant,” Ada said.
Ada said EDA personnel had been on the island twice already to look at the project.
Commonwealth Development Authority Executive Director Manny Sablan earlier told the Variety that they wanted to start the conversion project within the next six months.
Sablan said CDA has teamed up with the Department of Commerce.
The former hotel has been “idle” following its declaration of bankruptcy and closure in 2004.
Sablan said transforming it into a business incubator will help boost the local economy.
He said the business incubator will become a one-stop shop for local entrepreneurs and for individuals planning to put up a business.
“It will be a place where CDA can render assistance, and house business offices including the Small Business Development Center,” he said.
Ada said Pacific Gardenia needs a complete retrofitting including renovation, rewiring of electrical lines, re-plumbing, upgrading of parking space, landscaping as well as the excavation for an elevator and general installation before it can be used.
