Embedded Files
04/04/25 - Tinian and Rota leaders convened for the first leadership summit with mayors, senators, representatives, and municipal council leaders on Thursday at Aqua Resort Club Saipan.
According to organizers, the purpose of the summit is to “identify, discuss, and offer solutions to municipal matters that affect the manner in which we provide equitable public service to our residents.”
Senator Jude Hofschneider, who is also the chair of the Tinian and Aguiguan Legislative delegation, said the discussion explored how government services could be streamlined to efficiently serve residents on Rota and Tinian.
Another major point of discussion was the military developments in Tinian and plans for expansion in Rota. Sen. Hoschneider said the over $161-million Tinian Divert Airfield project is 65% complete.
“A lot of the conversations are very good…point of information for our leaders and our people of Rota to hear so if it does come into fruition to have [a military project] on Rota…the type of questions and concerns to be asked is already known, is familiar, with the issues itself,” he said.
Marianas Press learned that the Department of Defense plans to host a public hearing later this month on Rota about their proposed plans for expansion at the island’s airport. Initial plans for military development on Rota include a fuel farm, construction of warehouses, and expansion of the runway on Commonwealth Ports Authority property.
Senator Donald Manglona, who is the chair of the Rota Legislative Delegation, said one of the primary reasons for the meeting was to “understand what are some of the challenges that not only Tinian faces but what are the similar challenges that Rota also faces so that we can try and address it moving forward and trying to ensure that any increase in economic activity or military activity we are equipped with the resources to manage those increased activities.”
The Tinian and Rota leadership plan to meet regularly throughout the year.
---
Story by Thomas Manglona II.
Report abuse