SAIPAN Mayor Juan B. Tudela has expressed concern over the Northern Islands homestead legislation, saying that while he “fully agrees with the intent of the bill,” some provisions “raise questions” on funding and health care.
House Bill 13-36 takes into consideration the “remoteness” of the Northern Islands and proposes that a “unique” type of homesteading program be implemented there.
The measure also calls for the construction of the needed infrastructure for the islands’ population and the repatriation of its residents who are currently on Saipan.
“My office fully agrees with the intent of this bill,” said Tudela.
But Tudela said the bill “lacks any reference to providing any funding for air or sea transportation” in repatriating former residents.
“In addition to the infrastructure,” Tudela said, “one must be cognizant that a decentralized or centralized primary health clinic be considered for the five islands.”
Tudela proposed that lawmakers review a master development plan prepared last April by the Northern Islands Mayor’s Office which may help facilitate economic development in the area.
Doing this, he said, may “prevent duplicating this particular component.”
H.B. 13-36 seeks to create a “Northern Islands Rural Homesteading Program” through the Marianas Public Lands Authority.
It would allow MPLA to exercise “flexibility” in setting requirements for pre-existing infrastructure as conditions for issuing homestead lots.
Similar measures were introduced in past Legislatures but were not enacted following recommendations that they needed further review.
