Kimberlyn King-Hinds
U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds on Tuesday last week introduced H.R. 4039, also known as the CNMI Ferry Act, which would make the CNMI eligible to receive federal funding for ferry services.
The bill was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
If enacted, it would amend the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to allow the CNMI to receive specific funding for providing basic essential ferry services in rural areas.
Last month, the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority announced the launch of a comprehensive feasibility study to evaluate the potential for a sustainable inter-island passenger ferry service connecting Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and Guam.
The study — made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration — is set to be completed within seven to nine months. It will assess both the financial and operational viability of the proposed ferry system, including funding sources and potential economic benefits for the CNMI.
In her e-newsletter, King-Hinds said a reliable ferry service “would be a game-changer for the CNMI.”
“Our residents depend on inter-island travel for critical needs, including healthcare, education, commerce, and staying connected with family. Yet for too long, we’ve lacked the resources to build and maintain the transportation infrastructure that other U.S. jurisdictions take for granted,” she said.
King-Hinds added that by ensuring access to federal transportation funds, H.R. 4039 would help lay the groundwork for a safe, dependable, and more affordable ferry system for island communities.
“The people of the CNMI deserve the same transportation opportunities and infrastructure investment as every other part of the United States,” she added.
In an interview on Monday, Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan said an investor had reached out to his office to express interest in operating a ferry between Saipan and Tinian. He said he and the investor met with Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and COTA officials late last year and again earlier this year.
Currently, the only means of transportation to and from Tinian and Rota is air service, which is expensive and limited in cargo capacity.
Years ago, Tinian Shipping and Transportation Inc., a sister company of Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, provided ferry service for both locals and hotel guests between Saipan and Tinian. However, the service ended on March 16, 2021. The ferry was transported to Singapore and has not returned since.