$8,165,813 in federal grants awarded for the Northern Marianas

Federal funds continue to be of crucial importance to the Northern Marianas both for government operations and for the development of infrastructure — especially in these tough times with few local resources. Recently, more than $8 million, appropriated by Congress, have been awarded:

• Obamacare provides another $2 million for insurance oversight – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the award of $2 million to the CNMI Department of Commerce. The grant is in addition to an initial $1 million already provided to Commerce to regulate changes in health insurance premiums. All states and territories, regardless of population, received the same $3 million as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or “Obamacare.” According to HHS, the Department of Commerce will use the money to conduct extensive outreach to consumers of health insurance on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, including town halls and website upgrades, and to encourage public input in the review of proposals by insurers to increase rates. Congratulations to the Department of Commerce! To learn more about the rate review grant program and other benefits of Obamacare for the Northern Mariana Islands go to http://www.healthcare.gov/law/resources/mp.html.
• $19,020 awarded to CNMI Public Health for Breast and Cervical Cancer screening – The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion awarded $19,020 to the CNMI Department of Public Health this week. This grant will be used for breast and cervical cancer screening and patient follow-up for low income, uninsured and under-insured women. Congratulations to the Department of Public Health!
• $146,793 for highway safety – The Northern Marianas has been awarded $146,793 in federal assistance for highway safety programs. The State Highway and Community Grant Program money will help improve alcohol and other drug countermeasures, police traffic services, occupant protection, traffic record-keeping, emergency medical services, motorcycle/pedestrian/bicycle safety programs, speed control and roadway safety on our streets and roads. Congratulations to DPS!
• $6 million for Saipan airport runway – The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded the Commonwealth Ports Authority $6 million to compete rehabilitation work at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport. The 8,700 foot runway has been in service for 25 years and requires extensive reconditioning to meet federal safety requirements and to extend its useful life. The on-going project has included milling of the runway, taxiway, blast pad and shoulder pavements, and adding a new asphalt concrete overlay. CPA is also installing new lighting, signage, and electrical infrastructure. Work is expected to be completed in the summer of 2013. Congratulations CPA!