Arnold I. Palacios
GOVERNOR Arnold I. Palacios left for Washington, D.C. on Tuesday morning to meet with senior officials of federal agencies, including the Department of Defense.
He will participate in “high-level” discussions regarding the CNMI’s need for infrastructure development and economic diversity.
Acting Gov. David M. Apatang, in an interview, said Palacios will be back on Jan. 15.
Traveling with the governor is Commonwealth Ports Authority Chairman Jose Ayuyu. Their travel is funded by federal grants.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Office of the Governor said Palacios will meet with U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Assistant Secretary Carmen Cantor, and Deputy Assistant Secretary Keone Nakoa “to continue discussions initiated last year relating to technical assistance, grant programs, and other funding opportunities.”
Palacios will also discuss critical improvements needed for the CNMI’s air and sea ports with representatives of the U.S. Department of Transportation, including senior officials from the Maritime Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration.
Palacios will likewise meet with U.S. Department of Defense officials, including senior representatives from the different military branches.
“These discussions will include the urgent need for critical infrastructure improvements on all three islands and other projects and activities as part of broader efforts to advance the Department of Defense’s regional initiatives,” the governor’s office stated.
