Other NMI projects to follow Garapan revitalization completion
On Feb. 13 the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Garapan Revitalization Project signaled the end of a project that began in November 2022 through an $11.2 million grant awarded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
The project, which was overseen by the Office of Planning & Development, which is under the Office of the Governor, encompassed street paving, sidewalks and curbs construction, gutters and drainage piping, installation of solar powered streetlights, landscaping and 350 parking stalls.
Palm Street in Garapan with curbs, sidewalks, and parking. Photo courtesy of the Office of Planning and Development
The EDA has awarded the Northern Mariana Islands 10 grants totaling more than $100 million for projects and improvements.
Other EDA projects overseen by OPD include the $21.2 million Oleai Sports Complex and Events Center, awarded in June 2021.
Notices to Proceed on the architecture and engineering design for both the Sports Complex and the Cultural Events Center were issued in March 2023. In fiscal 2025 drawings for both project sites were completed. Permitting and solicitation for construction are due in the first quarter of fiscal 2026.
OPD also has oversight of the NMI Comprehensive Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan together with the Inter-Island Solid Waste Management Taskforce. A final draft of the plan was submitted to the U.S. Environmental Construction Agency and as of September the plan was approved by the EPA, “unlocking access to nearly $32 million in federal funds through the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act of 2019 for priority solid waste and recycling infrastructure projects,” according to OPD’s fiscal 2025 Citizen Centric Report.
The Beach Road Improvement Plan. Photo from Journal files
Solid Waste infrastructure investments include a five-Year Plan, Tinian and Rota Landfills, heavy equipment procurement and repairs, and the hiring of Solid Waste management staff.
The Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands addressed the closure of reservations beyond Mar. 29 by both T'way Air and Jeju Air in a Feb. 20 release.
SAIPAN and TINIAN, Northern Mariana Islands —While many businesses across the commonwealth continue to close, downsize, or suspend operations amid a prolonged economic slowdown, others are still opening, relocating, or experimenting with new models in hopes of staying viable.
Joshua Wise, general manager of PHI Pharmacy, was named the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Businessperson of the Year during the Chamber’s Jan. 31 awards banquet at the Kensington Hotel Saipan.
On Jan. 20, the House of Representatives passed a measure that amends the Small Business Act to include the Northern Mariana Islands in the Small Business Administration’s microloan program.
