Supporting the Governor’s Sinlaku Cost Share Request

Following Governor Apatang's request to President Trump to extend full federal cost sharing for Super Typhoon Sinlaku response and recovery efforts, I wrote in support of the Commonwealth's request. The letter supports two important requests made by Governor Apatang: extending 100 percent federal funding for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and Direct Federal Assistance, and increasing the federal cost share for long-term Public Assistance projects associated with Super Typhoon Sinlaku to 90 percent. These requests recognize the extraordinary costs of recovery, the Commonwealth's limited fiscal capacity, and the importance of keeping recovery efforts moving without placing additional strain on the CNMI's finances. These requests are important, and I will continue advocating for the resources our islands need to recover from Super Typhoon Sinlaku while also responding to the new challenges brought by Super Typhoon Bavi.