The declarations will allow the governor and the mayor to reprogram funds to fix the harbor.
“An emergency declaration is declared so as to mobilize all available resources including reprogramming of [the Tinian airport’s instrument landing system] funds for the purpose of public protection and preservation of property,” said Fitial.
“The Tinian harbor is very, very important and crucial to the economic development of Tinian,” he added.
San Nicolas said Tinian’s harbor was built during World War II.
Over the years, its outer seawalls and piers have been severely battered by extreme weather conditions.
He said the harbor’s inner dock is vulnerable and may jeopardize the continued operation of ferry boats and other marine traffic which is essential to public safety and commercial activities.
The mayor said previous studies show that $40 million is needed to repair Tinian’s harbor.
The government will explore the possibility of asking the U.S. military to finance the repair.
