By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE CNMI panel in the Covenant Section 902 consultation with U.S. officials is proposing a $429.1 million multi-year financial assistance program to address the Commonwealth’s long-standing structural, geographic, and federal policy-driven constraints that continue to limit its ability to achieve economic growth and fiscal stability.
Gov. David M. Apatang, who described last month’s 902 talks as “fruitful,” allowed members of the CNMI panel to share some information with local media about discussions within their respective working groups during the meeting in Washington, D.C.
Mike S. Sablan, representing the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority, said the CNMI was well represented “with exceptional people who contributed to discussions and conversations that are critical.” The private sector was also strongly represented, including Saipan Chamber of Commerce President Dr. Joshua Wise and Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers Co-Chair Joe Guerrero.
Sablan, who has participated in 902 consultations under three CNMI governors praised Apatang. “Governor Apatang did an outstanding job in this year’s round of 902 talks,” he said. “He made us proud. His presentation was articulate, sincere, and factual, and his on-point responses made a huge difference in how we communicated our situation and needs.”
Finance Secretary Tracy B. Norita, part of the fiscal working group, said the meeting was critical in communicating “all the different areas that need federal intervention, federal assistance, [and] federal actions” to prevent declining government revenue forecasts. She emphasized that without federal action, fiscal year 2027 “looks like it will get worse.”
Following discussions, the fiscal working group moved forward with an agreement to develop a multi-year funding framework. The plan includes more than $60 million annually in federal funds allocated to economic development and government operations. “At this time, the working group is continuing discussions on what the details of that multi-year funding framework would look like,” Norita said, adding that the group has 30 days to finalize a draft.
Special Assistant for Management and Budget Vicky Villagomez provided further details. She said the proposed funding amounts to approximately $429.1 million, delivered in annual allocations of $61.3 million, with adjustments in the fifth through seventh years. The seven-year funding will be apportioned between government operations, economic development, and infrastructure. “To stabilize government operations, modernize critical infrastructure, and support long-term economic diversification, the Commonwealth has proposed this multi-year financial assistance of $429.1 million, delivered in annual allocations of $61.3 million,” Villagomez said.
Office of the Governor Chief of Staff Henry S. Hofschneider described the two-and-a-half-day meeting as “a great exchange,” noting that Team CNMI left Washington confident in a well-structured and clearly defined 902 consultation.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
