SAIPAN — The United States Marine Corps has released the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Commonwealth’s Joint Military Training project, which proposes building training infrastructure and a range control command on Tinian.
The Bureau of Military Affairs said the Final EIS evaluates the potential environmental effects of the proposed training activities on Tinian, including new training infrastructure and the establishment of an on-island Training Area and Range Operations Command, known as Range Control. The Marine Corps said the project is intended to support current and evolving joint land-based expeditionary warfare tactics and to enhance military readiness.
According to the Marine Corps, the proposed action is needed to allow U.S. Armed Forces to meet their training requirements under Title 10 of the United States Code and to maintain readiness for national security. The Final EIS also outlines management measures meant to avoid or reduce potential environmental impacts from the training, the bureau said.
The Marine Corps encouraged residents and stakeholders to review the Final EIS, which is available online and at designated locations across the CNMI. On Tinian, copies are at the Tinian Public Library and the Tinian Mayor’s Office. On Saipan, they are at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library and the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs on Isa Drive, Capitol Hill. On Rota, a copy is at the Rota Public Library.
The bureau said the Marine Corps conducted five public meetings on Tinian, Saipan and Rota during the week of June 23, 2025, as part of the environmental review, and that the Final EIS includes responses to substantive comments received on the Revised Draft EIS.
The Marine Corps will wait at least 30 days after the Final EIS is published before making a final decision on the proposed action, the bureau said.
The agency acknowledged the impacts of Super Typhoon Sinlaku on the CNMI and said it is committed to working with the Commonwealth as recovery continues and the activities covered by the Final EIS move forward. The Final EIS is available at www.cnmijointmilitarytrainingeis.com.
