Garapan Revitalization Project to be completed by November

In the NMI, all roads lead to Garapan. At least, that’s the hope. A revitalization project is taking shape in the heart of Saipan’s tourist district.

Saipan’s tourist district is a work in progress. Mariano Iglecias, and engineer with the CNMI Office of Planning and Development, said, "The Paseo is open for vehicle traffic."

The Garapan Revitalization Project is paving the way for a more vibrant tourist district. They’ve opened a new road to provide locals and tourists access to businesses at the heart of Garapan.

"As you can see, the initial phase of the project is focused on getting the curb and gutter sidewalks, all of that construction done first. And then the second phase of the project is the asphalt coating of the existing roads," he said.

The $11 million EDA-funded project is expected to be completed by November. However, there have been some challenges posed by the EPA permitting process, weather, and existing businesses whose property extends into the right of way. And the workforce is also a major factor.

"Workforce has been an issue. The contractor has expressed that they have some employees who were affected by the touchback and however, they have," he said.

Begun to have some of the workers coming back as early as last month I'm sorry  as early as December. And so we're we're we're seeing their force workforce coming back.

So far, he says they’ve paid out a total of $1.5M for construction. The total construction contract with USA Fanter is about $9 million. The federal funds are issued as reimbursements.