Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Executive Director Kevin Watson is urging residents to contact House lawmakers and push for approval of a proposed $40 million line of credit that he says is critical to sustaining power and water restoration efforts following Super Typhoon Sinlaku and Typhoon Bavi.
Watson said the Senate has already approved the financing measure, but the House must still bring it to the floor for a vote before CUC can access the funds. Without the credit line, he said, the utility faces increasing financial pressure as it continues storm recovery work across Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
“The House legislature needs to put it up for a vote and vote for it,” Watson said, encouraging customers to contact their elected representatives.
The appeal comes after FEMA denied CUC’s request for an advance disaster payment that would have helped fund an estimated $75 million in restoration work. Watson said FEMA did not have sufficient funds available for the advance, although the utility remains eligible for reimbursement under the agency’s standard process.
Under that process, CUC must first pay for repairs and then seek reimbursement, a timeline that can take months. Watson said the utility is already contending with high fuel costs while simultaneously paying for ongoing restoration efforts.
CUC has not yet determined the full cost of damage caused by Typhoon Bavi, with assessments still underway, including on Rota. Watson said the proposed credit line would allow the utility to borrow only what is needed while work continues.
