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.

As part of the CNMI’s recurring engagement with the U.S Department of Defense, Governor Arnold Palacios, Lt. Governor David Apatang, along with other CNMI officials, today met with senior military leaders who provided top level overview of military projects and activities that are planned or are taking place throughout the CNMI. The executive briefing, which is held quarterly, was led by Admiral Greg Huffman, Commander, Joint Task Force Micronesia; Admiral Brent DeVore, Commander, Joint Region Marianas; and Brig. Gen. Christopher K. Faurot, Commander, Guam Air National Guard.

This past Saturday, Governor Arnold Palacios (left) and Lt. Governor David Apatang (right) welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo (center), who was recently appointed as Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) in May 2024. During the meeting the Commander reaffirmed regional commitments and discussed other collaborative efforts with the CNMI. Governor Palacios and Lt. Governor Apatang also led the Admiral and his team on a brief tour around Saipan. They were joined by Admiral Brent DeVore, Commander of Joint Region Marianas; Admiral Gregory Huffman, Commander of Joint Task Force Micronesia; and other military leaders.

The Commonwealth Economic Development Authority (CEDA) is pleased to announce the approval of up to $57 million from the U.S. Treasury under the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0 for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). The funding will support loan guarantees, loan participation, and collateral support programs.

Governor Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Governor David M. Apatang recently proclaimed July 16, 2024 as “CNMI Rural Transit Day.” They were joined by Special Assistant for Transportation Alfeda Camacho Maratita and members of the CNMI Office of Transit Authority (COTA).

The Northern Marianas Housing Corporation (NMHC) announces the availability for public review and comment, the Program Year 2024 Annual Action Plan (AAP).

Governor Arnold I. Palacios, Lt. Governor David M. Apatang, along with U.S. military personnel and other CNMI officials marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Saipan and Tinian with a re-enactment of the beach landing at the Veterans Memorial in Susupe, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the American Memorial Park’s Court of Honor and Marianas Memorial.

As we bring this forum to a close, I thank you, Madame Chair, my fellow Marianas governor, for your leadership and hospitality, and all the leaders of Micronesia for coming together these past few days in the spirit of friendship and collaboration.