(NMHC) — The Northern Marianas Housing Corporation, designated by the CNMI governor as the administrator of the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, proudly announces significant strides in rebuilding and revitalizing the Commonwealth following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yutu and Typhoon Mangkhut.
Since the Congressional allocation of CDBG-DR funds and approval of its Grant Agreement, NMHC has focused on delivering comprehensive recovery efforts in housing, infrastructure, and economic revitalization across the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The CDBG-DR Program administers various housing programs — Single Family New Construction (Homebuyer) Program, Homeowner Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program and the Affordable Rental Housing Program.
To date, NMHC has successfully completed 172 residential dwellings, providing safe and resilient housing to families and individuals of the CNMI, more specifically on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota under the Homebuyer and Homeowner Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program. This symbolizes 55% of program completion under these programs.
In 2024, the program completed its first Multi-Family project — Isa Villas II — under the Affordable Rental Housing consisting of 56 rental units. CDBG-DR housing construction projects are advancing steadily, marking significant milestones in quality and efficiency.
In addition to housing, critical infrastructure projects are underway with several projects already completed, and others ongoing or nearing completion.
These efforts are vital to restoring essential services and strengthening community resilience against future natural disasters.
Infrastructure projects focus on three main activities: road and drainage improvements, utilities restoration and rehabilitation of public facilities.
Over $24 million in key infrastructure projects have been completed to date. These projects include Beach Road Phase III & IV Road Improvement Project, Ghilis St. & Apengagh Avenue Road and Drainage Improvement Project, Oleai Sewerline Replacement Project, CHCC Community Guidance Center Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery Center and Transitional Living Center Rehabilitation Projects, A&E Design for 2 two-story classroom buildings for Northern Marianas College, Tinian Elementary School Rehabilitation Project, Tinian Route 206 Road and Drainage Improvement Project and Power Pole Replacement on Saipan and Tinian.
The CDBG-DR program is actively rehabilitating CNMI public schools through the FEMA-HUD Flex Match, ensuring educational facilities are strengthened and safe for students and staff alike. CNMI public schools include the Marianas High School, William S. Reyes Elementary School and Francisco M. Sablan Middle School. NMHC and the Public School System officially broke ground on the Marianas High School Career Technical Education Center, funded by HUD and the US Economic Development Administration.
The CDBG-DR Program, as part of ongoing utilities restoration efforts, also funds key water infrastructure projects including the replacement and construction of new water tanks in Kagman and Dandan on Saipan. The Dandan water tank project is funded under the HUD CDBG-Mitigation program.
“We are proud of the progress made so far and remain fully committed to the swift and efficient use of CDBG-DR funds to restore and enhance the CNMI’s housing and infrastructure,” said Zenie P. Mafnas, NMHC corporate director. “Our dedicated team continues to work closely with the Governor’s office, implementing partners, contractors, permitting agencies and residents to ensure recovery efforts meet the needs of our communities and foster long-term economic revitalization.”
Beyond housing and infrastructure, the CDBG-DR program expands its community impact through additional initiatives.
In partnership with the Northern Marianas Technical Institute, the program funds a scholarship for construction trades to build local workforce capacity and empower future industry professionals. This investment supports sustainable community rebuilding and economic growth.
To further promote economic revitalization, the program collaborates with the Marianas Visitors Authority, by supporting the Tourism Waiver initiative designed to attract visitors and boost tourism — a vital sector for the Commonwealth’s economy.
“The CDBG-DR program is more than rebuilding structures; it’s about strengthening communities through education and economic opportunity,” said Mafnas. “We are committed to ensuring these funds serve diverse community needs — from housing to workforce development and tourism promotion, helping the CNMI recover and thrive.”
The NMHC, through its CDBG-DR Division, continues to manage program resources with transparency and accountability, ensuring every dollar contributes to rebuilding a stronger and more resilient CNMI.
For more information on the CDBG-DR program and NMHC’s recovery initiatives, visit the CDBG-DR website at cnmi-cdbgdr.com/.
