House Bill 17-43, which was introduced by Rep. Ray N. Yumul, R-Saipan, is now Public Law 17-43.
The bill was supported by administration officials like Disability Policy and Programs special assistant Thomas J. Camacho, Developmental Disabilities Council executive director Pamela Sablan, and Joeten-Kiyu Public Library executive director John Gonzales.
The new law will formulate goals and objectives for a public transportation system, develop a public transportation system, seek, identify and apply for federal funds, implement public transportation policies, recommend necessary changes in CNMI law, procure public transportation vehicles, equipment and supplies, employ support staff and submit an annual report to governor and the presiding officers of the Legislature pertaining to public transportation programs and operations.
The Legislature will now have to appropriate funds to meet the 20 percent matching fund requirement if any federal fund is acquired for the new program.
The transit authority office will be administered by a special assistant for public transportation who will be appointed by the governor and serve at his pleasure.
The new law also provides for the creation of a commonwealth public transportation board to be chaired by the special assistant. The board will be composed of the Department of Public Works secretary, the Department of Finance secretary, the Department of Public Safety commissioner, the Emergency Management Office director, representatives from the Public School System, the four mayors and business community.
According to the new law, indigents cannot easily access job market, medical services, educational and recreational resources without adequate transportation services.
