CUC Executive Director Antonio Muna and Deputy Director Bruce Megarr told the members of the Saipan legislative delegation’s Committee on Public Utilities and Infrastructure, that the agency is unlikely to meet the deadline scheduled this month due to problems with funding and staffing levels.
Yesterday, Megarr showed a picture of the Agingan plant emitting plumes because it does not have the capacity to dispose solid wastes.
Megarr said millions of dollars are needed to comply with the EPA standards but CUC doesn’t have enough resources at this time.
Even if federal grants are secured to cover part of the expenses, Megarr said CUC would still incur a shortfall.
“The funding that we have identified won’t start coming until two to three months from now through our revenue stream,” said Megarr.
The EPA does not want to extend the deadlines.
“The EPA made it very clear that these deadlines are not negotiable without dramatic events. For instance, we hired someone. He’s due to come in a month before the due date for that particular position. He never shows up. We advertised. We interviewed. We brought the guy in but he never shows up. That’s where they would be flexible in terms of assessing the deadline,” said Megarr.
“We know what the budget is. We are in the midst of difficult economic times. And I think everybody is doing their best they can to meet our fiscal needs,” he added.
Muna said one of their options is to secure long-term financing.
Rep. Tina Sablan, Ind.-Saipan and the chairwoman of the committee, said they welcome Muna’s suggestions.
A long-term financing option, she added, “should be more feasible, now that they have made that agreement with [the Commonwealth Development Authority]. But obviously, the financing won’t be available overnight. There are many hurdles to be crossed.”
The lawmaker said CUC’s situation is a tremendous concern that needs the Legislature’s help.
