The Guma Hustisia has received a much needed upgrade to their air-conditioning system thanks to funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s State Energy Program.

The ARRA State Energy Program funding awarded to the CNMI Division of Energy is focused on promoting the concept of “going green.” This project is a great example of incorporating technology to increase energy efficiency, which leads to cost savings for the Commonwealth.

Prior to the retrofit of the air-conditioning system, readings were taken to gauge the effectiveness of the new units and to measure the cost savings. The initial numbers showed that the Guma Hustisia was using about 130,600 kilowatts a month. Using data provided by the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., the recent numbers for the month of July showed that the usage has dropped to 104,800 kW. At the current rate of $.34 per kWh, this means a savings of about $108,360.00 a year or 20 percent.

New technology was installed as a part of this upgrade, which monitors the time in which each compressor has been working. Once it senses that a particular compressor has been working longer than the others, it will send a signal to the cold-water chiller to shut that particular compressor off and activate the others. This will allow for the other compressors to work until they are equal in time and the temperature has been satisfied. This will help to provide for a longer lifespan for these compressors and less time between overhauls while ensuring that there is no gap in air-conditioning service within the Guma Hustisia.

Prior to this project, the Guma Hustisia had three separate 110-ton chillers, one of which was inoperable. The inoperable chiller has now been replaced with a new 200-ton oil-free chiller and turbo core compressor. The other two chillers have received an upgrade to their existing electrical systems in addition to having new refrigerant piping installed. The Guma Hustisia runs a daily building load of 200 tons, which was being met by using the two 110-ton chillers. The new 200-ton chiller has allowed the Guma Hustisia to use one chiller instead of two to meet its daily building load, leading to a savings in utility bills.

“The project is now officially 100-percent complete as of Aug. 17,” said project manager Andrew Ashburn of Red Rock LLC. “The courthouse is operating with an energy efficient air-conditioning system for the first time. This ARRA funded project installed three condenser units and a 200-ton chiller.”

Staffers have also stated how surprised they are that the system works so well. They also said that they now have a nice cool consistent temperature for working and that the project went very well.

“The CNMI ARRA Office in association with the CNMI Division of Energy is proud to help the CNMI realize the benefits of the State Energy Program,” said CNMI ARRA communications manager Fred Camacho. “This project will go a long way to benefit not only the hard working employees of the Guma Hustisia building, but the various members of the community who conduct business there as well.” (Office of the Governor)

To view the original publication of this article in the Saipan Tribune, please click on the link below: Guma Hustisia’s air-conditioning retrofit completed

The CNMI ARRA Office has just completed the second quarter 2011 reporting of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds for CNMI.

The CNMI ARRA Office reiterated the importance of distinguishing between the amounts awarded to the central government directly and those applied for and received by autonomous agencies.

The central government awards total approximately $88 million, with the largest grants being the $44 million awarded for the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund and the $29 million awarded to the CNMI Division of Energy for the State Energy Program for its programs. Other agencies, including the Workforce Investment Agency, Division of Environmental Quality, and the departments of Public Works, Public Health, Public Safety, Commerce, and Community and Cultural Affairs comprise the rest of the funding.

“These funds we have direct control over and thus far with the $49 million in expenditures reported, we have expended over 55 percent of these funds,” said the CNMI ARRA Office in a statement yesterday.

The ARRA Recovery.gov website does not distinguish between central government awards and those awarded to autonomous agencies; the amounts are reported cumulatively. The CNMI ARRA Office cited as an example the recent awarding of the Sandy Beach Home Project, which increased the CNMI’s ARRA funding total to the current $120.9 million mark. This, along with the $8.1 million award given to IT&E last year, account for nearly one-fourth of the CNMI’s total ARRA funds.

“Although the CNMI government does not have control over these projects we have continued to partner with ARRA recipients to ensure the proper administration of expending these funds,” the statement adds.

As of the second quarter reporting period, several agencies, including WIA and DCCA, have successfully expended their respective ARRA grant awards. A liquidation period of 90 days is given under each grant to finalize all expenditures relative to the grant. Both WIA and DCCA’s funds should be fully completed by the September reporting period.

CNMI ARRA funding benefits

The CNMI continues to make steady progress toward the completion of several major projects and the complete expenditure of its ARRA funds. The progress made thus far can be evidenced by the impact several major grant funds have made to include the following examples:

- The State Fiscal Stabilization Fund has helped to save 44 teaching jobs at Garapan Elementary School while providing for laptops for its secondary students and numerous infrastructure projects.

- The State Energy Program has provided for lighting retrofits at CHC, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, and the Legislature, air-conditioning retrofits at the Senate Chamber and CHC, tinting of the Saipan, Tinian, and Rota health centers, and the street light retrofits to LED lamps for the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

Several other projects, including the installation of solar-powered school zone and pedestrian crosswalk beacons, the retrofitting of CUC’s turbochargers, and the cross-island road improvement project are currently ongoing.

The CNMI ARRA Office said it continues to go through painstaking measures to ensure that all ARRA guidelines and protocols have been adhered to in the execution of these projects.

“Our office continues to work closely with our local agencies, leadership, and federal counterparts to ensure that we not only expend the funds prior to the established deadlines but do so in a responsible manner displaying the CNMI’s commitment to quality assurance,” said Fred Camacho, CNMI ARRA communications/compliance director. (Office of the Governor)

To view the original article in the saipan tribune, please click on the link below: CNMI ARRA completes quarterly report

The CNMI ARRA Office, in collaboration with the CNMI Division of Energy and the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., has purchased four new turbochargers for CUC’s Power Plant 1 through the ARRA State Energy Program. CUC power plant engines Nos. 5-8 have been designated to receive the new units.

The project began in August of 2010 and faced many challenges, the most substantial being the ARRA “Buy America” Provision. The CNMI ARRA Office, CNMI Division of Energy, and project management firm N15 Architects worked closely with the U.S. Department of Energy in trying to secure the waiver, which was finally issued in September 2010.

The project aims to retrofit existing engines with the latest turbocharger technology. CUC will be able to effectively extend the engines’ useful life, while improving performance, economics, and environmental impact. The new turbochargers will also improve engine response, provide for lower spare part costs, and provide easier maintenance and time between overhauls.

The first pair of units arrived at Power Plant 1 on Feb. 9, 2011, and CUC installed the first turbochargers on Engine No. 8 and is currently testing the new equipment. Final results won’t be ready until mid-July, but preliminary results indicate that CUC will reduce fuel consumption even more than expected and significantly reduce carbon emissions at the same time. CUC has already started preparing for the next set of turbochargers for Engine No. 6, which is due on island this week.

“The turbocharger installation is proceeding smoothly; we expect all four turbocharger sets on line and running above rated efficiency by the end of the year,” said project manager Chris Fryling of N15 Architects. “We are on track to start saving the Commonwealth at least 2 percent of their total fuel costs, which will add up to millions of dollars over the next few years.”

Projected fuel savings for Engine No. 8, based on preliminary tests, will be more than 650,000 gallons per year. At $3 per gallon, that translates to a savings of almost $2 million per year if the engine runs under full load.

“The turbochargers boost the output of the engines at Power Plant 1,” said CUC executive director Abe Malae. “The end result is higher fuel efficiency that translates to lower costs to customers thanks to the ARRA Office, Department of Public Works, and its Energy Division.”

Two other projects to purchase four lube oil separators and an oily water/used oil separator have also been awarded to CUC through the ARRA State Energy Program. The lube oil separators will allow CUC to reduce waste oil while the oily water separator will clean traces of oil from the dirty water in the power plant before it is released into the sewer system.

Fred Camacho, the CNMI ARRA Communications/IT manager, said: “These projects will go a long way to aid the community with the cost of utilities while helping to reduce the carbon footprint produced at the local power plant.” (Office of the Governor)

To view the original article in the Saipan Tribune, please click on the link below: CUC gets four new turbochargers

Saipan Tribune

In two to three months, Saipan Southern High School will be able to produce its own electricity, enough to power the entire campus. This “green energy” project is expected to be replicated in 10 other public schools on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

Yesterday marked the groundbreaking for six 95-feet wind turbines and 95 solar panels at Saipan Southern High School.

These are in addition to the single wind turbine and solar panels already installed and operating on campus.

Upon completion of the project, SSHS will be able to harness as much as 165 kilowatts, enough solar and wind power to run the whole school, said Chris Fryling of N15 Architects, which bagged the construction management contract for the project.

Acting governor Eloy S. Inos and Education Commissioner Rita Sablan led the groundbreaking, along with other government officials, private sector partners, students, and parents.

“PSS is leading the way in green energy,” Sablan said.

Inos, for his part, said the savings realized from not having to pay for utilities will be used for instructional and other educational materials, among other things.

Former SSHS principal Craig Garrison, who championed alternative energy at his former campus, said SSHS has become an iconic school in the Pacific region not only because of the award-winning Manta Ray Band but also because of its green energy projects. Garrison is now principal of Marianas High School.

The CNMI Division of Energy received $6.5 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for renewable projects, $2.4 million of which was given to the Public School System for the installation of wind turbines and solar panels at 11 schools.

The contract has been awarded to N15 Architects, while the contractor is Pacific-green Integrated Technology Inc. The supplier of materials is Pacific Wind and Solar LLC.

SSHS principal Jesse Tudela said the groundbreaking is just the first of many green energy projects that will be started in different schools, thanks to federal grants.

“It’s a good week for SSHS,” he said, referring to the groundbreaking for the energy project and Manta Ray Band’s success at the Tumon Bay Music Festival in Guam last weekend. Manta Ray Band brought home five gold, 12 silver and one bronze medals.

Sablan announced that PSS will make available $10,000 for Manta Ray’s trip to London for the 2012 Olympics, after performing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

When it was the acting governor’s turn to deliver his remarks, he also pledged $15,000 for Manta Ray’s London trip, for a total of $25,000.

To view the original publication in the Saipan Tribune, please click on the following link: ‘Green Energy’ Project Kicks off at Saipan Southern High

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Public School System is getting a $2.4 million federal grant to install solar power panels and wind turbines at 11 public schools.

“This is a huge step forward in our efforts to transition our dependency from conventional energy to renewable energy,” Fitial said in a press release. “We will continue to work toward expanding this worthwhile project to maximize the benefits we stand to realize from going green.”

The project, dubbed Public School System Green Energy Project, is broken into two phases, and was awarded to Pacific Green Integrated Technology Inc. and Pacific Wind & Solar, LLC in September 2010.

Saipan Southern High School received its first delivery last week of 195 solar panels. Six large wind turbines are expected to arrive in March with installation to begin soon afterwards. Installation of the solar panels and wind turbines is expected to start in March.

“Upon completion of the project, Saipan Southern High School is expected to harness as much as 165 kw, which is enough solar and wind power to run the entire school,” the release stated. “The intent of this project is to educate students on the benefits of renewable energy through the collection of actual energy data being produced at each site. It will also allow for the reduction in power usage at each of the sites leading to power savings for the Public School System.”

The other 10 schools included in the project are: Koblerville Elementary School, Garapan Elementary School, Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, Cha Cha Oceanview Junior High School, Kagman High School, Tinian Elementary School, Tinian Junior High School, Tinian Senior High School, Sinapalo Elementary School, and Rota High School.

Those schools will begin receiving their initial shipments of equipment, which will include 11 solar panels and one wind turbine for each site within the next week.

“The PSS Green Energy Project is made possible through a close working partnership between the Public School System, the CNMI Division of Energy Office, and the CNMI American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Office. This is a landmark project for the CNMI in its efforts to ‘Go Green,’” CNMI ARRA Communications/Compliance Director Fred Camacho stated in the release.

To view the original article in the Pacific Daily News, please click on the following link: CNMI schools get green energy grant

The Fitial administration said yesterday that the CNMI ARRA Office has successfully completed its fourth quarter of reporting under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund.

The SFSF continues to make a tremendous impact for both the Public School System and the Northern Marianas College, especially in the areas of job creation/retention and infrastructure. The Public School System this quarter through the educational jobs fund was able to retain 798 school-based jobs including teachers, teacher aides, principals, counselors, and school support staff. PSS was also able to hire 92 new teachers and counselors as well as an A&E firm that helped to finalize 40 repair, renovation, and modernization projects.

Meanwhile, the Northern Marianas College was able to retain 12 ARRA-funded positions this quarter while creating five new positions. NMC has also been able to put out one Request for Proposal along with four Invitations to Bid for new surveillance cameras, improving campus security, and replacing the current campus computers, improving campus technology.

CNMI ARRA state lead Michael J. Ada said: “I am pleased with the cooperative efforts between my office, the Public School System, and the Northern Marianas College in ensuring that these funds are expended in the most expedient manner possible and in accordance with all the terms and conditions of the grant.”

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial was elated to note the tremendous progress indicated in the latest report and looks ahead to continuing the trend of maximizing these types of funds that are made available to the territories.

“All these positive changes could not be made possible without the hard work of the CNMI ARRA Office, PSS, NMC, the Department of Finance, and the Executive Branch. The commitment demonstrated by all these agencies validates the importance of education to our local community. Although we have seen positive change, we still have a lot of work ahead of us,” noted Fitial.

Amid the unprecedented economic hardship facing the CNMI community, the $44.3 million provided by the SFSF has gone a long way to not only stabilize the Public School System and Northern Marianas College, but it has enabled both institutions to make advancements toward the future. The recent awarding of 1,500 laptops to the Public School System’s middle school and secondary students has helped to bridge the gap between the students in our remote location with information and technology that previously was not readily available. The Northern Marianas College will also see a boost in their technology infrastructure with the awarding of their current ITB for computer replacements. (Office of the Governor)

To view the original article in the Saipan Tribune please click on the link below: Fitial lauds positive impact of fiscal stabilization fund

• SEEARP Press Release

Rota resident Milagro Manglona became the first beneficiary of the Rota Weatherization Assistance Program under the CNMI Division of Energy.

An income-based program that is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, WAP aims to help qualified residents reduce their energy consumption with the use of energy efficient appliances.

Manglona’s residence was weatherized on Tuesday with the replacement of all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps, installation of smoke alarms, and the weather stripping of doors and windows.

The Rota resident also got an 18 cubic feet refrigerator and two 6,000 BTU window-type air conditioners.

“My previous aircon was not working efficiently and I had to use a fan to help cool the room but last night I slept so well since it was so cold that I didn’t want to get up,” said Manglona.

She expressed appreciation to the U.S. Department of Energy program and the staff of Energy Division that made the weatherization of her house possible.

Rota Mayor Melchor Mendiola, who was present during the presentation of appliances, congratulated Manglona for being the program’s first recipient on Rota and thanked the Energy Division for including Rota in the WAP.

“I encourage all the people of Rota who meet the ‘low income’ criteria to avail of this important program, as the replacement of the new appliances will help reduce energy consumption within households,” he said.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial expressed his continued support for the timely implementation of available programs under ARRA to ensure that CNMI residents can avail of its various benefits.

“I am proud of the strides that the [Energy Division] has made with bringing the variety of programs to our entire community. I continue to push those involved to be vigilant in ensuring that the residents of Tinian and Rota avail of these programs,” he said.

Lt. Gov. Eloy Inos said the weatherization project underscores the commitment of the local government in bringing ARRA benefits to the community.

“With programs and projects aimed at helping our residents, government, the CUC, and schools, I look forward to many more of these types of milestones,” added Inos.

Energy Division director Thelma Inos said she is pleased that their office is making progress on Rota.

She thanked the Rota mayor, Tom Glenn Quitugua, and Donna Barcinas of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Energy Division program manager Lorraine Seman and staff Eugene Borja and James Reyes for their support and assistance.

Inos gave credit to the CNMI ARRA office under the leadership of former Commerce secretary Michael Ada whom she said was instrumental in keeping the $18 million State Energy Program funding.

“While I am humbled that we were acknowledged by U.S. Department of Energy for our efforts, we still have a lot of work ahead of us,” she added.

To view the original article in the Saipan Tribune please click on the link below: Weatherization assistance awarded to first Rota resident

U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that an additional $11,994,405 is now available for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)  under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.  To date, CNMI has received $48,922,625 through the ARRA.
 
“With this application, CNMI provided us with basic information on what is working in their classrooms,” said Duncan.  “This data is a critical tool in helping us work together—with students, parents, teachers, administrators, community leaders and elected officials at every level—to improve education for CNMI’s students.”
 
The application required applicants to provide data that will lay the foundation for reform including:
 
How teachers and principals are trained and how the areas will enhance instructor expertise in the future.
The extent to which the applicant has a Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems that includes all the necessary America COMPETES Act requirements and how it will enhance the system by 2011.
The applicant’s progress in improving its academic standards and assessments and its plans to implement enhanced standards and assessments.
The applicant’s primary needs with respect to modernization, renovation, and repair of public educational facilities primarily used for classroom instruction and plans to improve those facilities.
The technology infrastructure currently available to students and the applicant’s plans to enhance access to online resources.
The applicant’s progress in using funds awarded under Phase 1 of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund to implement or enhance a credible financial management system.
 
The application, requirements and summary of the requirements can all be found at: http://www.ed.gov/programs/statestabilization/applicant.html.
 
In addition to the nearly $12 million announced today, the ARRA has provided $36,928,220 in funding through 7 different programs to the CNMI. Prior to today’s announcement, CNMI had received:
 
$32,439,190 in State Fiscal Stabilization funds through their successful completion of part 1 of the application. The State Fiscal Stabilization Fund program is a new one-time appropriation of $53.6 billion distributed directly to states to:
 
Help stabilize state and local government budgets in order to minimize and avoid reductions in education and other essential public      services.
 
Help ensure that local educational agencies (LEAs) and public institutions of higher education (IHEs) have the resources to avert cuts and retain educational personnel and staff.
 
Help support the modernization, renovation and repair of school and college facilities.
 
Help advance reforms, from early learning through post-secondary education, to benefit students and families.
 
$191,229 in IDEA funds. The ARRA provides $12.2 billion in additional funding for Parts B and C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  Part B of the IDEA provides funds to state educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) to help them ensure that children with disabilities, including children aged three through five, have access to a free appropriate public education to meet each child’s unique needs and prepare him or her for further education, employment, and independent living. Part C of the IDEA provides funds to each state lead agency designated by the Governor to implement statewide systems of coordinated, comprehensive, multidisciplinary interagency programs and make early intervention services available to infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
 
$270,196 in Vocational Rehabilitation Funds.  The ARRA provides $540 million in additional funding for the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) State Grants program. The VR State Grants program provides grants to states to help individuals with disabilities, especially those individuals with the most significant disabilities, prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment.
 
$128,723 in Independent Living Services Funds.  The ARRA provides $140 million in additional funding for the Independent Living (IL) programs. The IL programs support services to individuals with significant disabilities and older individuals who are blind to maximize their leadership, empowerment, independence, and productivity, and to promote the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into the mainstream of American society.
 
$1,797,780 in Consolidated Grants to Insular Areas grant, which combines a number of Elementary and Secondary Education Act grants.  An insular area may elect to consolidate certain grant awards it receives.  The insular area selects which program the awards are consolidated under and may use the consolidated funding received for purposes specified by that program’s requirements.  ARRA funding provided under Title I, School Improvement, Educational Technology, and Education for Homeless Children and Youths is eligible to be consolidated.
 
$2,093,209 in Pell Grants have been awarded to students attending schools in CNMI. Pell Grants are awarded based on student applications, not by state.  The ARRA provides $17.1 billion in additional funds for students across the country in need of Pell Grants. The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate and certain postbaccalaureate students to promote access to postsecondary education. Students may use their grants at any one of approximately 5,400 participating postsecondary institutions. The additional funding allowed the Department of Education to raise the maximum Pell award from $4,731 to $5,350. 
 
$7,893 in Work Study funds have been awarded to students attending schools in CNMI. The ARRA provides an additional $200 million to the Work-Study program, providing colleges and universities with additional funding to provide jobs to students to help with their college and living expenses.

The CNMI ARRA Office is currently working with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to secure a $1.2M grant for its Broadband Data and Development Project.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said, “The Broadband Data and Development Project is a great opportunity for the CNMI to realize quality broadband service. This will help to increase the connection of our remote location to the rest of the world.”

This project will help to determine the CNMI’s current broadband capabilities and create a blueprint for the improvement of the current broadband services through comprehensive surveys, town hall meetings, and direct engagement with anchor institutions, stakeholders, and the community.

“The digital inclusion blueprint will be of great value to the CNMI as it identifies barriers for broadband adoption and provides guidelines for the improvement and expansion of the CNMI’s current broadband capabilities,” said CNMI ARRA state lead Michael J. Ada.

This project differs from the NTIA funded Next Generation Network by IT&E in that the blueprint produced will be available for the public’s consumption. This plan will assist in identifying barriers to the island’s current broadband services which will enable the CNMI to see positive growth in the areas of education/career opportunities, communications, and our economy.

Fitial lauded the CNMI ARRA Office saying, “Making great strides that will be highly beneficial to the people of the Commonwealth truly warrants recognition for the hard working people in the local government who continue to pursue greater opportunities for the Commonwealth.”

The grant will help the CNMI in three key areas:

- Education/Career Opportunities

Better internet connectivity will allow CNMI residents to take online courses to get their degrees. It will enable students to pursue degrees in computer/technical careers i.e. Computer Technology, Data Modeling, and telemedicine. It will allow for more communication with experts from abroad through video/teleconferencing. Moreover, it will allow for our students to expand their horizons through internet tours of areas they normally do not have access to, such as museums and other important landmarks.

- Communication:

The CNMI will have better quality and more reliable telephone and internet services. The CNMI will have quality internet connectivity without constant worry of losing a signal. Problems with slow connections or unreliable reception will be resolved. There will be increased connectivity within the islands as well as nationwide. This will allow for families to stay in touch with their children and family members abroad.

- Economy:

Quality broadband service will create jobs, help businesses with communication issues and connectivity problems allowing for more efficiency. Businesses can update their databases; they can better track business packages, and better communicate with business partners abroad. The increase in service reliability will entice more businesses to come and invest in the CNMI.

The CNMI ARRA Office will continue to work with the NTIA to finalize the grant and expects to have it completed within the next couple of weeks. The projected start date for the project is Nov. 1, 2010.

To view the original article from the Tribune, please click on the link below:

CNMI ARRA eye broadband mapping grant application

With over $8 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, IT&E will be bringing to the CNMI and Guam a multi-million dollar next generation network that will upgrade existing infrastructure.

IT&E ushered in a new era of coverage and connectivity in the Marianas with the recent completion of capacity and coverage expansion projects worth $1 million. Now the CNMI and Guam will benefit from several additional improvements that are currently underway.

The next generation network project will bring to the CNMI and Guam the first high-capacity broadband services through an extensive upgrade to the island backbone infrastructure. The improvements will upgrade IT&E’s existing interisland microwave and undersea fiber transmission systems. Capacity will increase to 1.2 Gbps for its interisland microwave system and to 10 Gbps to its undersea fiber cable system.

“The next generation network will bring the next level of communications to our area and expand the availability of high-speed connections to the Marianas, especially to those who provide essential services to our community,” said IT&E executive vice president Larry Knecht.

By the time the project is complete, IT&E will directly connect 403 anchor institutions, including community colleges, K-12 schools, libraries, health care facilities, and public safety organizations. This will also enable government agencies, schools, and businesses to benefit from videoconferencing and other advanced broadband capabilities.

The next generation network project will also improve health care services by expanding and enhancing broadband capabilities for public health and social services facilities on the islands.

In coming weeks and months, IT&E will work with its project partners from the Workforce Investment Agency, Marianas Visitors Authority, Northern Marianas College, Department of Commerce, Department of Public Health, and Saipan Chamber of Commerce. During that time, IT&E will update the public with project progress reports that will focus on every aspect of its next generation network.

For more information about IT&E’s coverage and services, contact IT&E Customer Care at 682-4ITE (4483) at IT&E Customer Service on Middle Road. (IT&E)

To view the original press release from the Saipan Tribune please click on the following link: IT&E embarks on building next generation network in Marianas

The CNMI Division of Energy, along with the ARRA Office, welcomed to the CNMI this past weekend three visiting U.S Department of Energy officials who were here to check on how the Commonwealth was spending the energy grants it recently received.

Cathy Iverson, Golden Field Office branch chief, State Energy Program; Carole Gates, branch chief, Weatherization Assistance Program, Golden Field Office; and Eileen Yoshinaka of Lockheed Martin met with CNMI officials led by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial to get an update on several ongoing projects.

They also visited some project sites that included the CNMI Legislature building, Saipan Southern High School, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Guma Husticia Judicial Building, and the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s Power Plant 1.

The US DOE awarded the CNMI about $18 million through the State Energy Program – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund several projects that included replacement of parking light lamps and street light lamps to light emitting diodes (LED); lighting and air conditioning retrofits at several government facilities, retrofitting of turbo chargers, lube oil centrifuge and reclaiming watery oil separators for CUC’s power plant and renewable projects at several locations within the Public School System.

In addition, the CNMI also received about $997,182 to weatherize homes under the Weatherization Assistance Program. To date, the Division of Energy has weatherized 46 residential homes that incorporated energy-efficient appliances and lighting to those homes.

Besides Fitial, the officials also met with Energy Division director Thelma B. Inos and staff, acting ARRA program manager Antonio Muña Jr., Commerce Secretary Michael J. Ada, Public Works Secretary Martin Sablan, Finance Secretary Robert Schrack, Commonwealth Utilities Corp. director Antonio Muña Sr. and assistant executive director Abe Malae and Procurement and Supply director Herman Sablan.

Gates also visited several homes that were weatherized since this is the first time that the CNMI has received this funding.

A Governor’s Office statement said the visiting officials were “very impressed and pleased with the progress that the CNMI has made” with all the SEP and WAP ARRA projects as it provided them a view of the work that were completed and an understanding of the work to come.

“The CNMI Division of Energy and the ARRA Office are pleased and welcomes any opportunity to showcase the progress on SEP/WAP-ARRA projects and the positive aspects of the funding had on the CNMI and its people. Furthermore, it strengthens our commitment in ensuring maximum transparency and accountability on all ARRA funding provided by the US DOE,” the statement adds. (PR)

To view the original publication in the Saipan Tribune, please click on the following link: US Energy execs check on how NMI is spending grant funds

Commerce Secretary Michael Ada told members and guests of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce yesterday that the CNMI has so far spent $16.3 million of the $94 million in stimulus funds received through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The federal tracking agency recovery.gov, however, places the total ARRA grants awarded to the CNMI at almost $99 million.

Ada said there will always be “lag” time in the reporting done by recovery.gov and the actual ARRA grant notification and award to the CNMI.

ARRA, signed in February 2009, is a direct response to the economic crisis and seeks to stimulate the economy by creating new jobs and saving existing ones, spurring economic activity, and investing in long-term growth.

The stimulus funding provides $288 billion in tax cuts and benefits for millions of families and businesses, increases federal funds for education and health care as well as entitlement programs by $224 billion, and makes $275 billion available for federal contracts, grants and loans.

Ada said the $16,331,818 so far spent by the CNMI includes spending on payroll, goods and services.

ARRA funding also created and retained 375 jobs locally.

Ada, the guest speaker at the Chamber meeting at the Pacific Islands Club, said that ARRA money made available 89 business opportunities, of which 78 have been closed.

But he said there are seven other business opportunities still available and encouraged CNMI-based business to take advantage of these opportunities.

Ada is the lead person in the CNMI for all ARRA-related projects and issues.

Ada said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the CNMI Office of the Public Auditor/U.S. Department of the Interior Inspector General didn’t find significant findings when they separately conducted audit and evaluation.

The CNMI is also the only insular area that has received a significant private sector grant, referring to the $8 million in ARRA grant awarded to IT&E.

Census update

Besides giving an update on how ARRA funding has helped the CNMI economy, Ada also gave an update about the Census 2010.

He said the CNMI “is the first insular jurisdiction to complete the Census” ahead of the scheduled close date of Sept. 30, 2010.

“There were no breaches of confidentiality, no operational issues, there was strong community participation, and strong partnership between the federal and local government,” said Ada, adding that the Census 2010 operations stayed well within budget.

The Commerce secretary also briefed businesses about the reestablishment of the CNMI Small Business Development Center, the use of Small Business Administration loans in the CNMI, and the Military Integrated Management Committee.

In his presentation, Ada said Commerce inquired into all FDIC institutions in the CNMI regarding SBA loans originated and approved. He had a meeting in Guam on July 27 with Bank of Guam, First Hawaiian Bank, and Bank of Hawaii.

He said the banks told him that Article 12 or the land alienation provision of the CNMI Constitution “serves as a large barrier to making commercial loans.”

Article 12 restricts ownership of land in the CNMI to those of Northern Marianas descent.

Ada said Article 12 significantly impacts the ability to secure bank interests, and one way to cure this is by entering into a tri-party agreement with the CNMI government.

To view the original article in the Saipan Tribune please click on the link below: NMI so far’spent’ $16.3 of $94M stimulus funding

Nearly a year and a half after the Recovery Act’s enactment, virtually all of the funds have been allocated: how they will be spent has been identified, and they are at work providing relief, creating jobs, or funding projects underway or coming soon. So why do some critics still talk about billions in “unspent” Recovery Act funds? The answer lies in how the Recovery Act works.

Two-thirds of Recovery Act funds are in tax cuts and relief payments. These funds were designed to be spent over time, generally over a two year period. Recovery Act tax cuts show up in each paycheck, people on extended unemployment get their benefits weekly, and so on. In reports and on Recovery.gov, the tax cuts and relief funds not yet paid out appear to be “unspent,” creating some confusion. But these tax cuts and relief checks are moving out as planned, on time, and on track. They aren’t “unspent” – people are expecting to get their tax cuts or their unemployment checks – they just haven’t been paid out yet.

The other one-third is the $265 billion for projects. When people talk about “unspent” Recovery Act funds, this is usually where they focus. But here too, the critics are missing the point. 

• About $215 billion is under contract and agreement (“under contract”). For over 80% of the project funds, our Recovery Act team in Washington has done everything we need to do in order to allow work to begin – projects are approved, plans are final, contracts are signed. In this category, the vast majority of these projects are underway (some are even finished already). For example, all $27 billion in highway funds have been obligated and already, almost 40,000 miles of roadways are being improved. 
• Another approximately $25 billion has been awarded, but isn’t under contract yet: In this category, covering about 10% of project funds, the recipients already know they are getting funding — often after winning in a competitive application process — but final legal contracts aren’t yet done.  This is often the case for parts of the Recovery Act designed to fuel long-term economic growth. High Speed Rail is an example: all $8 billion of these funds are awarded, meaning that states are working with freight railways and others, but until these plans are finalized, contracts aren’t signed. 
• The final $25 billion is in the process of being awarded. One of the great things about the Recovery Act is that it is free from earmarks and many of its programs are competitive – meaning we pick the best projects to get funded. Picking good projects takes time, but even this is nearly complete. Take broadband as an example: approximately half of these funds have been already awarded, and the remainder will be within the next 60 days from applications that have already been received. Selections are still ongoing for our “Race to the Top” education reform funding, and for research grants at the National Institutes of Health. These funds are “unspent,” but all around America the businesses, researchers, and schools that have applied for this job-creating support are certainly expecting it to be there.

To summarize, of the $787 billion in the Recovery Act, about 94% is either in tax cuts, payments, or projects under contract. Of the remaining 6%, half has been awarded and contracts are being finalized — and half is in the final stages of the award process. If you want to learn more about this breakdown and the specific programs it includes, check out this document (pdf) which provides more details.

What about reports that say that the amount “outlayed” is much smaller? “Outlays” measure when the government actually writes checks to recipients, and they do indeed move along more slowly. That, however, is as it should be: taxpayers should be pleased to know that we don’t write the checks on projects until the work is actually done (or until agreed upon progress goals are met).   That is why the pace of outlays is not the best measure of whether the Recovery Act is working: what taxpayers want to know is whether projects are moving forward, workers are being hired, and work is getting done. Projects under contract (“obligations”) measure that; “outlays” come later. That’s a good thing. And even by this measure, we are on track to hit the goal set when the Recovery Act passed: that 70% of the $787 billion in funds would be “outlayed” or provided in tax benefits by September 30, 2010.

The bottom line: the Recovery Act is on track to meet its goal of saving or creating 3.5 million jobs by the end of 2010 (a recent report said that it was in the range of 3 million jobs as of June 30^th) – with funds moving out promptly, but carefully.

Ed DeSeve is Special Advisor to the President for Recovery Implementation

To view the original article including links providing within please click on the following link: “Why, 17 Months After Passage of the Recovery Act, Aren’t all the Funds Out the Door?”

Capitol Hill, Saipan – The CNMI Division of Energy learned recently that it could potentially see an increase in funds for its Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The increase comes as a direct result of findings in a recent audit by the Department of Energy’s Inspector General Office. The Inspector General’s Office determined that there was a discrepancy in the data used to calculate the original allocation amounts for the CNMI and other territories.

 Capitol Hill, Saipan – On January 21, 2009, an Executive Memorandum from President Barack Obama fundamentally changed the way the US Federal Government operated.  This memorandum to Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies stated three objectives; the government should be transparent, participatory, and collaborative. 

In August of 2009, the CNMI ARRA Office discovered that the US Department of Interior had used ARRA funding to directly contract a firm out of Honolulu, Hawaii for engineering services at the American Memorial Park. A firm out of Guam was then sub-contracted to assist in finalizing the energy project completely leaving the CNMI out of the loop.

These actions by the federal government are contradictory to the President’s directive and to the ARRA Transparency and Accountability provisions that the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board (RAT) have been emphasizing the States and Territories to abide by. The provision requires that all ARRA funded opportunities be transparent and that all eligible bidders be given the opportunity to bid. Being that this was a direct contract neither one of these requirements were met.

Had this project been advertised and CNMI firms been given the opportunity to bid,  this would have fulfilled one of the ARRA’s  major goals which is to transparently create jobs and infuse much needed revenue into the economies of the States and Territories.

These events have upset local firms who feel that they have the expertise to complete this project. These firms are seeking answers and will be addressing their concerns with the RAT Board.

Energy Division Director Thelma Inos stated, “It is disheartening that the CNMI was not given the chance to bid on this project. Being that it is an energy project, this greatly impacts the CNMI Energy Office and does not reflect well on the energy office’s and the CNMI ARRA’s position on opening ARRA funded opportunities to all qualified businesses in the CNMI as well as throughout the nation.  This would have been a great opportunity for our local firms to display their expertise on a national stage and bring much needed funding into the CNMI economy.”

CNMI ARRA State Lead, Michael Ada added, “While the CNMI ARRA Office is as transparent as possible, it is alarming to know that the US Federal Agencies do not hold themselves to the same standard. It is imperative that our local businesses have the opportunity to at least compete for the work made available under the ARRA, rather than providing the tax dollars and jobs to those firms outside of our jurisdiction. Based on the work that is being done on other ARRA projects, it is more than evident that the CNMI has more than enough qualified firms to do the job.”

The CNMI ARRA Office partners with different local and federal agencies to ensure that the CNMI follows all regulations, especially the Transparency and Accountability provision of the Recovery Act.  These firms are well within their right to bring the issue to the RAT Board, holding the Federal Government accountable to the same standards that the States and Territories are held to (PR).

The lighting retrofit project at the Joeten-Kiyu public library began yesterday and the library expects to save some 30 to 40 percent of its power usage once the project is completed, according to the CNMI ARRA Office, in association with the CNMI Division of Energy. 

This project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act State Energy Program. Originally slated to begin September of 2009 the project was delayed by the Buy America Provision of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. After months of hard work by both the CNMI ARRA Office and the project managers, a categorical waiver was finally issued by the Department of Energy in February of this year for the following items: 

•  Fluorescent electronic lighting ballasts 
• LED traffic lights and signals 
• CFL’s (with a few exceptions described in the waiver)  

With this final obstacle removed, the winning firm Spectrum Electric will now begin the execution of the project. 

The plans for the Joeten-Kiyu library include the retrofitting of existing T-12 Lighting and Magnetic ballasts with Energy Star Rated T-8 Fluorescent Lighting and matching electronic ballasts. The change will help the library to realize a 30- to 40-percent reduction in its current power bill. 

“This lighting retrofit project has been a long time coming in our efforts to modernize the facility. We have patiently waited and are real excited that it has finally begun,” said Joeten-Kiyu Public Library executive director John DLR. Gonzales. “The installation of the energy efficient lights could not have been more timely in view of our anticipated ambitious library programs, computer classes, and cultural activities lined up for the summer and beyond. Equally important this is a first major step in ensuring your state public library is up to par with green energy efficiency standards, not to mention the much needed cost savings we will realize.” (PR)

To view this original published article in the Saipan Tribune website, please click on this link: Lighting Retrofit of Joeten-Kiyu Library Begins

Responding to a resolution passed by the Guam legislature, Governor Benigno R. Fitial expressed his deep disappointment with the message that was sent by the Guam Senators. Resolution 352-30, passed on a vote of 9-1, with 5 senators absent, states that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) not award any ARRA money for broadband technologies to any single entity.  

“This resolution has a detrimental effect on the CNMI, as the $8 million for IT&E in the first round of NTIA awards was made in the CNMI. The amount of contention that has been brought about by the first award by carriers that have no stake in the CNMI is upsetting. I am deeply troubled by the resolution as it has a tremendously adverse effect on the region as whole,” said Governor Fitial.

IT&E was awarded $8 million in the first round of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) and subsequently applied for $89 million in the second round of the BTOP awards. The Guam Telephone Authority (GTA) has contested the awarding of IT&E $8 million award and has been vocally opposed to their subsequent application for funding.  It has been reported that GTA has threatened to terminate upwards of 150 jobs if IT&E were award the $89 million in the second round. IT&E second round application proposes to create 75 direct jobs & 850 indirect jobs such as construction workers, engineers, and other professions.

Governor Fitial emphasized that the CNMI Government has made it a standing rule to ensure that no interference or preference is shown to those organizations competing in the private sector. As such, when the CNMI government was asked to rate the applications during the first round of awards, the CNMI ARRA office held public hearings and implemented a systematic and equitable method to ensure that no preference was given to any one applicant.

“Even when the federal government asked for our preference of applicants, we brought it back to the people to tell us which application to support. We asked each applicant to do a public presentation, had it evaluated by a panel comprised of government officials, the private sector, and the general public. We then opened it up for public comment. As a result, the CNMI was able to comfortably transmit which application our community supported.  The public presentations for the applicants for the second round of awards are scheduled for 04/29/10 at American Memorial Park.  By doing this, our government ensures that no preference is shown to any one applicant” said Fitial.

The contention around the ARRA money for BTOP that has stirred up controversy in Guam, places at risk the money that has already been awarded in the CNMI. “While I can understand the competitive nature of wanting to protect private business interests, the vocal opposition of IT&E’s award does not consider the impact on the CNMI. While GTA claims that their infrastructure is built to capacity on Guam, these ARRA dollars impact the infrastructure in the CNMI, of which GTA has no stake. The extent to which this contention has reached and the disregard for the CNMI is very troublesome” said Fitial.

The CNMI ARRA Office issued a statement yesterday reportedly to “clear up certain misconceptions being portrayed to the public by officials regarding the handling of ARRA funding by its office.”

The statement said that since its inception, the ARRA Office has spent countless hours working with individual local and federal agencies to ensure that all ARRA funding received is spent in a timely manner and in accordance with all federal and local guidelines. 

ARRA Office Role

The CNMI ARRA Office is responsible for oversight of all ARRA funding awarded to the central government. The ARRA office communicates with federal agencies on latest changes and updates to guidelines for ARRA funding. The office then turns around and works with the individual local agency to ensure compliance.

Is the process working?

To date the ARRA Office has $11 million of ARRA funding out to bid or already under contract, the statement said. An additional $30 million will be put out to bid or placed under contract within the next few months for projects under the Division of Energy and Public School System which include, among many others: 

* Parking and street light replacement to Light Emitting Diode, LED;
* Creation of LED crosswalks at certain schools;
* Lube oil and turbocharger retrofit to aid CUC;
* Air-conditioning retrofits for the judicial and legislative buildings;
* Laptops for the Public School System;
* Interactive white boards for Saipan Southern High School; and
* Video and related Equipment for Marianas High School. 

The ARRA Office is also working with agencies to ensure that the community is reaping the benefits of ARRA funded programs such as the Weatherization and Appliance Rebate Programs as well as programs that will help improve the services provided to students such as Summer Professional Development Sessions, the Career Exploration, Guidance and Development Program, and the School Improvement Project. 

All of these opportunities and many more can be viewed at www.cnmiarra.net under the Opportunities Section.

“The CNMI ARRA Office has but one agenda and that is to ensure that all ARRA funding received is spent speedily and in compliance with all local and federal guidelines,” said acting CNMI ARRA program manager Antonio Muna Jr. 

“We are working hard to maximize the benefits of the various ARRA funding for the CNMI and its people. It is time to stop pointing fingers at others and start pointing it at ourselves. We must partner with one another and work together so that the ARRA funding is spent and the people of this community benefit,” he added. (PR)

To view this original published article on the Saipan Tribune website, please click on this link: CNMI ARRA Office Clears Up Misconceptions

The Fitial administration said yesterday that the Public School System and other officials should not mislead the public in justifying exemption from the austerity measure at a time when government resources continue to dwindle and PSS could afford to provide laptops for every middle and high school students, among other things.

Press secretary Angel Demapan said the federal government has approved the CNMI’s request for a waiver on the “maintenance of effort” requirement, knowing that the local government’s resources continue to go down.

PSS officials have been asking for exemption from the House austerity bill, citing the need to meet the MOE requirement to avoid losing $16 million to $47 million or more in federal funds if the measure is enacted into law.

The Fitial administration said Hawaii and other states have implemented furlough methods that include their public school systems and judiciary and still managed to maintain their federal funds.

House Bill 17-45, which is now at the Senate, seeks to reduce government work hours from 80 to 70 per pay period to cut costs by some $4.5 million for the remainder of FY 2010.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial’s budget submission for Fiscal Year 2011 reflected a $132 million budget ceiling, down from the already revised $137 million for the rest of FY 2010.

Waiver

Demapan said the “maintenance of effort” agreement requires a state or jurisdiction to provide the same level of funding as in previous years to education, using FY 2006 as the base year for the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund.

Demapan said the CNMI waived the MOE requirements “as we knew we were unable to maintain that same level of funding based on the trend of declining resources.”

“We did this during the application process and as consequence of the grant being approved, the request for waiver was approved. The waiver requirements maintain that if a jurisdiction can’t maintain the same funding level, that the same percentage provided in FY06 is given in the grant years. Thus, the administration made sure that the same percentage of funding was made available to ensure that we remain in compliance with the waiver requirements for the MOE,” Demapan told Saipan Tribune.

Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (D-MP) said on Tuesday that the MOE agreement requires that the local level of funding for PSS and Northern Marianas College should not be less than 26.689 percent of the state budget.

Where the federal money went

The State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, said Demapan, is composed of two separate funds: The Government Service Fund, which is $8 million, and the Educational Service Fund, $44.3 million.

The entire amount was awarded to the Office of the Governor, but the use of the ESF is specific to PSS and NMC as sub-grantees.

The GSF was used to cover costs associated with medical referrals, public health and public safety.

In addition, the Office of the Governor gave $2 million of the $8 million to PSS to cover the salaries for 44 positions at Garapan Elementary School.

Demapan said Fitial administration has exhausted all but roughly $500,000 of the GSF.

“Therefore, contrary to the delegate’s allegation, it is clear that the administration has already spent its share timely and wisely,” he said.

On the other hand, the ESF is to cover renovations, repairs, technology, and personnel at PSS.

Demapan said PSS was supposed to bring in 105 new positions, “but for some reason, they were only able to hire 55 people.”

‘Irresponsible’

He said PSS requested to reprogram the remaining amount for personnel “so that they could buy students in the middle and high school laptops for their personal use.”

“The administration questioned the motive of this decision because it was an irresponsible use of funds as there was no way that PSS was going to protect the assets if they essentially were going to give students a laptop-no guarantee of Internet access at home, no software; just give them a laptop,” Demapan said.

The press secretary said their concern was that the money that the Office of the Governor gave PSS to cover the 44 positions at Garapan Elementary School would no longer be available “and we thought that the reprogramming would be better served if it was used to cover those salaries for teachers at GES for the next two years.”

“PSS persisted that they needed the money for laptops and they agreed to cover the costs of the 44 positions themselves. Well, the laptop bid was protested due to their procurement process, thereby making it impossible to spend that money until the protest is resolved,” Demapan said.

PSS principals have recently also been provided Blackberries with two-year service.

‘Don’t distort facts’

The Fitial administration said it is moving quickly on projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, with over $11 million in ARRA money out for bid or already under contract.

Demapan cited as an example the Cross-Island or Back Road expansion project as a visible sign that the CNMI is moving ARRA money.

“Delegate Kilili is not responsible in any way for the CNMI’s ARRA funds. Based on the separation of powers, he can’t request money in the form of grants as he is part of the legislative body. The grants are from the executive branch. Nowhere is his name on any single grant application in which ARRA money was received,” he added.

Demapan said with the CNMI’s financial condition and dwindling resources, this is the time for leaders and all departments and agencies to come together and explore available options to continue operations at a drastically reduced cost.

“Now is not the time to distort the facts for the sake of safeguarding the salaries of a few with total disregard to the rest of the government workers who will have to make the necessary sacrifices. Moreover, the financial condition of the Commonwealth is a matter that warrants immediate attention. Politicizing the sound fiscal decisions of the administration is not the answer, just because it is a federal election year,” he said.

PSS has an enrollment of nearly 11,000 in 20 public schools.

To view this original published article on the Saipan Tribune website, please click on this link: Fitial administration to PSS: Do not mislead the public