Governor Ralph DLG. Torres on Thursday with CNMI Office of Planning and Development (OPD) Deputy Director and Garapan Revitalization Task Force Chairman Christopher A. Concepcion, U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) representative Joaquin S. Quenga, CNMI dignitaries, staff of OPD, local business partners, representatives from various CNMI government departments and agencies, and members of the community broke grounds for the Garapan Revitalization Project.
The Garapan Revitalization Project aims to help revive the tourism industry and expand on our local economy by revamping the areas of Garapan that need improvement. This project entails tasks such as paving the streets, construction of sidewalks and curbs, landscaping, installation of new street lights, trees, and 350 parking stalls, beautification, and more. Garapan is a main district for our tourists and local residents, making this project crucial in regards to the shared goal of economic growth. These renovations ensure long-lasting, positive impacts on businesses within the area, new opportunities for work, the ability for safe and accessible traverse, along with numerous other benefits.
“We will transform the Garapan core area into a premier, family-friendly destination featuring a wide range of shopping, dining, entertainment, civic, and commercial uses in a world-class beach resort setting that is attractive for visitors, residents, and investors. The long-term goal is to attract more businesses to this area, allow them to generate more profit and tax revenue, and have that cycle back out to the rest of the community. The money generated in Garapan ultimately benefits everyone in the CNMl. Garapan will once again reaffirm its claim as the center of economic activity and the heart of the tourism industry in the Commonwealth,” said Chairman Concepcion.
During a speech from the U.S. Economic Development Administration representative Joaquin S. Quenga, he had applauded the hard work and professionalism of CNMI government agencies, as he discussed how the EDA has awarded the CNMI with ten grants totaling over $100 million dollars toward CNMI projects and improvements.
“It’s an honor to see this project come to fruition. The Garapan Revitalization Project is something that has been a long time in the making, and we’ll finally get to see our efforts pay off. This is the start of new, countless opportunities for the Marianas. I commend everyone who is part of making this project a reality, and I look forward to witnessing the progress of our main tourist district as we make progress towards our goal of being a world-class destination,” said Governor Torres.
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