THE CNMI wants the 902 talks with the federal government to focus on the financial condition of the local government and its inability to fund several infrastructure projects.
Acting Gov. Diego T. Benavente, the head of the CNMI 902 panel, said an additional seven-year federal funding for CNMI capital improvement projects is high on their list of priorities.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta, who is expected to arrive today from Washington, D.C., earlier said the 902 talks could be convened this fall.
The CNMI’s 902 panel is composed of Benavente, Washington Rep. Pete A. Tenorio, Senate President Paul A. Manglona, R-Rota, and House Speaker Heinz S. Hofschneider, R-Saipan.
President Bush, however, has not yet named his 902 representative.
Section 902 of the 1976 Covenant, which made the islands part of the U.S., provides for regular discussions between the federal and commonwealth governments regarding issues affecting their relationship. These are called the 902 talks.
Section 702 of the Covenant provides for federally funded CIPs. The monies are known as 702 or Covenant funds.
Benavente said the CNMI 902 panel will try to increase the annual $11 million Covenant funding received by the commonwealth.
“With our economic situation, I hope to convince the presidential representative and the United States Congress that we really need more than the $11 million,” Benavente told Variety.
He said the CNMI will also propose scrapping the current 50-50 matching fund requirements.
