Dela Cruz, in an interview, said the governor will have to choose from among the five projects, which the DLNR chief described as crucial for the CNMI economy.
First on the list is the rehabilitation and improvement of the slaughterhouse in As Perdido which will cost $850,000.
A U.S.-certified slaughterhouse, Dela Cruz said, will provide cattle and swine raisers on Saipan a facility to process their products for marketing.
Despite the demand for locally produced beef and pork, the lack of U.S.-certified labels hinder CNMI livestock growers from participating in a competitive market, he said.
DLNR also wants to use stimulus grants for the construction of a public fishermen and farmers market that will cost $2.2 million.
Agriculture Director Richard Seman, in a separate interview, said it has been the plan of farmers and fishermen to have a centralized outlet for their produce.
DLNR’s proposal also includes the replacement of five water pumps for the Kagman commercial farm plots which is estimated to cost $100,000; the design and construction of an agriculture nursery for the propagation of crops, which will cost $212,000; and the commercial and subsistence farming enhancement program that will pave the way for the purchase of two tractors, which will cost $200,000.
