By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Congressman Sam Graves, R-Mo., expressed strong support for the recovery of the CNMI from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said.
She announced in her e-newsletter on Friday that she had a productive meeting with Graves last Wednesday regarding recovery efforts in the CNMI.
King-Hinds shared updates on extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including airports and seaports, which are only beginning to reopen.
She noted that daytime operations at Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport remain limited due to damage to navigational aids, and international flights remain suspended, placing additional strain on the economy and supply chains.
The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee oversees key federal agencies central to recovery efforts, including the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
King-Hinds said she raised concerns with Graves about the Department of Transportation’s discretionary funding for airports and the outdated territorial highway program formula, which she said no longer reflects the CNMI’s needs. She said Graves “expressed strong support and committed to working with me and relevant federal agencies to help advance our recovery.”
The U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies has included $5.6 million in funding for nine CNMI projects in the fiscal year 2027 spending bill.
King-Hinds also thanked President Donald Trump and House leadership for responding to the CNMI’s request, working with her office, and moving quickly to mobilize resources. She said she will continue working with federal and local partners to ensure support reaches those in need.
Last week, the president approved a major disaster declaration for the CNMI following the impacts of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
King-Hinds said the declaration unlocks federal resources to support recovery across Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands. It includes assistance for individuals and families, support for public infrastructure, and access to hazard mitigation programs to reduce future risk.
She added that the declaration provides full federal coverage, for a limited period, for debris removal and emergency protective measures, allowing response work to proceed without additional strain on local resources.
“This is very welcome news, and I want to thank President Trump, his team, and House leadership for hearing our request, working with us, and acting quickly to get resources mobilized to our people,” King-Hinds said.
