SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang is reaffirming the Commonwealth’s working relationship with USDA Rural Development as the administration looks to line up federal programs with local priorities that include energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and broader economic development.
The Governor’s Office said recent discussions in Guam centered on moving forward Congressionally Directed Spending projects, including Solar PV Integration Installations for the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (Phase III) and the Department of Corrections. Funding tied to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Community Project Fund is expected to help reduce high utility costs and improve long-term operating efficiency.
The talks also included follow-up on Congressionally Directed Spending funding for the As Gonno Homestead subdivision, with USDA Rural Development recommending additional grant or loan options to complete utility infrastructure. Other topics included agricultural support, solar efforts aimed at lowering energy costs, feasibility studies tied to future funding, and targeted grant assistance for Rota Municipality in response to Typhoon Mawar.
Governor Apatang said the Commonwealth will continue pushing to secure federal resources in support of residents and government agencies, while USDA Rural Development Area Director Joseph M. Diego Jr. emphasized the agency’s intent to work with the Governor’s Office and the Office of Grants Management to align federal resources with CNMI needs.
