By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE Department of Finance has received a $5.7 million grant award from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs, Finance Secretary Tracy B. Norita said.
In a WhatsApp interview on Tuesday, Norita said the funds will be used for the CNMI government’s critical operating costs, which include its financial system infrastructure.
“We received the grant award documents and are processing the account setup so we can begin drawing down for these critical operations costs, including DOF systems infrastructure, fuel, communications, and inmate care,” Norita said.
She added, “This is much-needed financial assistance from OIA, and we look forward to our continued dialogue and partnership.”
In a joint meeting of the House Ways and Means and Senate Fiscal Affairs committees on Wednesday, Norita informed lawmakers that the $412,500 the CNMI government received from OIA for the month of October will be used specifically for Finance’s Munis license and other IT infrastructure needed to run the financial system; the Department of Corrections for inmate care; and supplies and communications required for government operations.
On Oct. 17, 2025, Deputy Assistant Interior Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Angel A. Demapan informed Gov. David M. Apatang that the Interior Department was awarding the CNMI government up to $5.7 million in Climate Change Technical Assistance related to climate change resilience for the continuity of government programs and services.
The funding, Demapan said, is intended to support the continuity of essential government services as the CNMI works to address and alleviate its budgetary crisis.
The amount is part of the quarterly allotments the federal government promised CNMI officials during the Covenant Section 902 consultations in Washington, D.C., in September.
The CNMI government received $412,500 for the month of October, Demapan told the governor. Subject to the availability of funds and at his discretion, the deputy assistant secretary said further funding under the agreement will be advanced for November and December.
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.
