Similar to the facility on Guam, a shipyard in the Northern Marianas would give ships operating in and around region a ship repair facility with full dry dock and overhaul capabilities in the Western Pacific.
“Not only would such a huge industry bring much needed economic stimulation to the CNMI, it would also create a myriad of much needed jobs for our residents,” said Fitial. “At this point, providing jobs to our people is my administration’s priority. The only way to achieve this goal is to lure big business types of investments.”
The governor, along with press secretary Angel Demapan and MITA group’s Jason Osborne, began his round of meetings at the office of Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, and then headed down the hall to see Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, and Sen. Jim Webb, D-Virginia.
Herb Yamada from Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan’s office was also present in the meeting at Begich’s office.
McCain expressed his concerns for the people of the CNMI and his strong willingness to help resuscitate the depressed economy.
As a start, McCain indicated his support to seeking congressional relief that would pave the way for a shipyard facility in Saipan.
Webb thanked Fitial for visiting his office and reiterated his historical ties to NMI having been stationed in the islands while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Webb indicated that his military legislative assistant, Gordon Peterson, will take the lead from his office in terms of the CNMI’s effort to be included in the shipyard authorization.
Immediately after the meeting with. Webb, Gov. Fitial had to leave Washington, D.C. en route to Salt Lake City, Utah for the annual meeting of the National Governors Association.
