SAIPAN — Senior officials from the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Office of Insular Affairs are in the Commonwealth this week for high-level meetings focused on fiscal reform progress, audit milestones, and budget planning, according to the Office of the Governor.
The governor’s office said the visit includes Angel A. Demapan, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Assistant Secretary – Insular and International Affairs, and OIA Budget Director Jonathan (Jeff) Dunn. The two met Wednesday with Governor David M. Apatang, Lieutenant Governor Dennis C. Mendiola, and Cabinet members to review fiscal reform milestones requested by the White House Office of Management and Budget tied to the CNMI’s ongoing budget challenges.
Officials also discussed the CNMI’s request for a seven-year schedule of budgetary support as the Commonwealth prepares for formal Section 902 consultations scheduled for February 17, the release said.
Additional meetings planned this week include discussions with the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors on economic development-related milestones, including a visit to the Business License “One Stop Shop” to review process improvements aligned with federal requirements.
The itinerary also includes meetings with the Marianas Visitors Authority on tourism growth milestones, plus site visits connected to the Garapan Revitalization Project, which were supported by Economic Development Administration funding, and other destination enhancement initiatives.
On Thursday, planned engagements include meetings with the Secretary of Finance and staff, an introduction of RMA Associates as OIA’s audit contractor, a review of audit status and applicable audit milestones, and additional discussions with the Statewide Accounting and Management Bureau. The visit also includes briefings on Capital Improvement Program projects and a meeting with Ernst & Young to review audit status and milestone expectations.
Governor Apatang welcomed the meetings, emphasizing the importance of coordination with federal partners to strengthen fiscal accountability and support the Commonwealth’s long-term economic stability and recovery.
