Governor Arnold Palacios and Lt. Governor David Apatang today met with a staff delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives – Committee on Defense Appropriations. Their discussion focused on economic and military priorities and other topics meant to provide the congressional staff expanded understanding of the urgent issues that are facing the CNMI, especially as it pertains to appropriations from U.S. Congress. Governor Palacios reiterated that the economic stability of the CNMI is inextricably tied to national interests of the United States; he sought legislative advocacy, funding assistance, and other support from the staffers.

CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios and Lieutenant Governor David Apatang toured Atkins Kroll Saipan’s new Toyota and Lexus dealership at Chalan Pale Arnold in Puerto Rico. Tracy Guerrero, AK Saipan’s newly appointed General Manager, Clark Boswell, AK General Manager and Vice President for Guam and Saipan, and Neil Paynter, Principal Architect for Ari Partners Architecture shared construction progress of the new 43,800-square foot facility during an exclusive tour of the $23 million project which broke ground in March last year. Atkins Kroll anticipates a soft opening by November when all permits are complete.