COMMERCE Secretary Fermin M. Atalig said the CNMI government stands to receive between $5 million to $10 million in federal funds once the composition of a local commission that will draft a comprehensive economic development strategy is formed.
Atalig told Variety yesterday that Gov. Juan N. Babauta, upon his return from Washington, D.C., will appoint the 10 members of the commission.
The CNMI comprehensive economic development strategy will allow the local government to identify priority projects that will be funded under the Economic Development Administration Program.
Atalig said the strategy will identify public works and economic development projects, including local products for exports.
Members of the commission will come from the Department of Public Works, the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, the Commonwealth Development Authority and the Marianas Visitor Authority, Atalig said.
The governor may also ask the Legislature to name its representatives to the commission, Atalig said.
A similar development plan was implemented during the 1994-1998 administration of then Gov. Froilan C. Tenorio.
