The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded more than $32 million to the CNMI Office of Planning and Development to improve solid waste and recycling infrastructure throughout the commonwealth, officials announced Tuesday.
The largest grant, totaling $31.6 million through the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, will fund upgrades and expansion of waste management facilities, equipment purchases, workforce training, compliance initiatives and public education efforts across the CNMI. Officials said the investment is expected to increase waste processing capacity, boost recycling and create jobs.
A second award of $709,047, provided through the EPA's Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will support recycling planning, data collection and equipment improvements on Saipan and Tinian. The funding also includes the design and construction of a community reuse drop-off facility on Tinian.
Elizabeth S. Balajadia, acting director of the CNMI Office of Planning and Development, credited federal and local partners for advancing solid waste management efforts in the commonwealth and said the funding reflects continued collaboration among government agencies and the community
The awards were issued Aug. 12 and announced by the CNMI Office of Planning and Development on Aug. 25.
