Media

A recent Vision Times article highlights what many of us in the CNMI know well: the enduring legacy of Japanese craftsmanship can still be seen throughout our islands. From century-old homes, shrines, and structures to the former Japanese Hospital in Garapan, now home to the Northern Mariana Islands Museum of History and Culture, these structures remain tangible reminders of the deep historical connection between the CNMI and Japan. Our relationship with Japan is rooted in far more than geography.

Janine Nogis-Rosario from our Saipan District Office and her sisters, Apollonia Borja and Natashia Tomokane, visited their congressional office in Washington on Wednesday. While Janine was in town for congressional management training, Apollonia and Natashia took the opportunity to tour the U.S. Capitol and explore some of Washington, D.C.’s other attractions. It was wonderful having them stop by. Thank you for visiting, ladies!

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library has been awarded $208,870.69 in FEMA funding to repair or replace heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems damaged by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. The award covers 90% of the eligible project costs and will help restore essential building systems at the library. These repairs will help ensure the facility remains a safe, functional, and comfortable space for the community.

The CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) has been awarded $236,605 in FEMA funding to support emergency protective measures following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. The funding is intended to help address immediate threats to public health, safety, and property resulting from the storm. These emergency measures are a critical part of the Commonwealth’s disaster response and recovery efforts, helping protect our communities while longer-term repairs and recovery projects move forward.

I’m pleased to recognize the Commonwealth Ports Authority (CPA) for receiving $948,387.24 in FEMA funding to carry out emergency protective measures following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. The funding will support actions necessary to address immediate threats to public health, safety, and property caused by the storm. These emergency measures are an important part of protecting our critical port infrastructure and helping ensure that the CNMI’s ports can continue serving our communities during recovery.

Very happy to recognize the CNMI Department of Public Works for receiving $323,646.50 in FEMA funding to repair and replace fencing and other components damaged by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. DPW has been working across the Commonwealth to restore public infrastructure and help our communities recover from the storm. I appreciate their continued hard work and commitment to rebuilding the CNMI, and I will continue working to ensure our local agencies have the federal support they need to get the job done. 

Last week, we got word that $1,320,108 in federal funding was awarded to the CNMI through FEMA’s Crisis Counseling Program following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. This funding will support crisis counseling and mental health services for individuals and communities in Saipan, Tinian, Rota as we continue to recovery from the storm. Recovery is about rebuilding homes and infrastructure, but also about supporting the well-being of our people.

Last week, I submitted formal comments to the U.S.