(OPD) — The Office of Planning and Development, which is under the Office of the Governor, is pleased to announce to the public that all streets within the Garapan Core are fully paved and enhanced with revitalized curbs, sidewalks, and parking spaces as of Jan. 15, 2025. OPD thanks Garapan’s business owners and the community for their continued support and cooperation as work on this premier project for the CNMI nears completion.
“OPD and the GRP contractor are very pleased to have reached this milestone. This achievement is made possible through hard work and collaboration between our team, our partners, and the other government offices with projects in the Garapan area. With this critical part of the project complete, we are excited to be very close to bringing the entire project to fruition,” said OPD senior civil engineer and GRP project lead Mariano Iglecias.
The Garapan Revitalization Project or GRP is 92% complete and is currently projected to be completed in the first week of March this year. Remaining key tasks include installation of solar- powered streetlights, installation of catch basins, replacement of storm drain covers, and installation of drainpipes at specific locations within the Garapan Core.
“The Garapan Revitalization Project is a key investment in the CNMI’s top tourist area, offering an opportunity to repair, enhance, and prepare Garapan for a stronger future as tourism continues to recover. I commend OPD for reaching this important milestone and for their dedication to ensuring our tourist district is ready to welcome visitors and the community. Additionally, we would like to thank the U.S. EDA and its Seattle Regional Office for its role in providing the funding for GRP with the intent to return and uplift businesses, create jobs, and retain jobs in the Garapan Core,” said Gov. Arnold I. Palacios.
The Garapan Revitalization Project broke ground in November 2022 and is made possible through an $11.2 million grant awarded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration to OPD. GRP’s scope includes repaving streets; creating on-street parking; constructing new concrete curbs, gutters and sidewalks; installing new streetlights; and providing extensive landscaping.
A Jan. 15, 2025 photo of the newly paved Palm Street. As of Jan.15, all Garapan Core streets are fully paved and enhanced with revitalized curbs, sidewalks, and parking spaces.
A March 13, 2024 file photo of the fully paved two-way road at the former Paseo De Marianas pedestrian mall. A major feature of the Garapan Revitalization Project, this two-way road was restored after 20 years of pedestrian-only traffic with the intent to provide the community and tourists vehicular access to businesses in the Garapan Core and usher opportunities and growth for the CNMI economy.
