CNMI Gov. David Apatang has requested a 60-day extension from the U.S. Department of Defense to provide feedback on the draft environmental impact statement for military training on Tinian.
According to Apatang, the extension is needed to thoroughly evaluate public concerns and comments.
Public input is currently being gathered by the Department of Defense on its proposed military expansion on Tinian, which would include live-fire ranges, a base camp, communications infrastructure, and a biosecurity facility. The community feedback collected will help shape the final environmental impact statement for the military plan. The public comment period is scheduled to close on Aug. 20.
The final record of decision is expected to be issued in May 2026 and will take into account public input, as well as national security and environmental considerations
Recently, Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds highlighted key issues raised by the community, including the danger to fishing and shipping from the use of 50-caliber ammunition for weapons that will be used in the proposed live fire training.
“If you remove 50 cal, the surface danger zone will be significantly reduced,” King-Hinds said.
She said the CNMI governor has proposed removing this type of ammunition from the plan and also suggested installing fishing aggregate devices to mitigate the impact on local fishermen.
