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Historic Preservation outlines $6M disaster grant projects, urges staff and site protections
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Summary
The Historic Preservation Office (HPO) briefed senators on a roughly $6 million National Park Service disaster grant for renovation projects and said the office is understaffed to monitor construction and archaeological work at cultural sites; staff flagged the need for additional FTEs and site monitoring.
The State Historic Preservation Office (HPO) told a Senate budget committee it is managing a multi‑million‑dollar National Park Service (NPS) disaster grant and is short‑staffed to carry out field monitoring, permitting reviews and preservation work across islands.
HPO acting staff described a roughly $6 million grant (disaster recovery) that was at risk of deobligation before the CNMI revised project leadership; the office said it successfully negotiated an extension and has moved to draw down funds for renovations tied to the Capitol Hill complex and multiple historic structures already listed in the grant agreement.
Staffing and monitoring needs
HPO staff said the office currently operates with three staff (one technician I and one trainee explicitly named) and lacks an archaeologist, historian and full grants manager required under the grant. The acting historic preservation officer requested additional FTEs dedicated to review and compliance so staff can perform field monitoring, respond to complaints, and supervise contractors for large projects. The office processes hundreds of land‑use reviews daily and said it needs two additional qualified reviewers for safety and continuity purposes.
Site protection and permitting
Senators asked about foreign archaeological teams and collection of human remains. HPO staff described a permitting process: foreign researchers must submit a work plan, hire a qualified archaeologist (Secretary of the Interior standards) and coordinate with the HPO and governor’s office. Staff emphasized that sampling or removal of human remains requires osteological identification and HPO oversight; they said the office monitors permitted digs and requires reporting to prevent unauthorized removal.
Why it matters: The grant funds renovations to historically listed sites and cultural resources; insufficient HPO staffing could delay projects, risk noncompliance with the NPS grant terms, and reduce the office’s ability to protect archaeological sites and burial contexts.
Committee response
Senators expressed willingness to help coordinate interagency maintenance and cited possible partnerships with local mayors, parks and recreation, and public works to address vegetation and access issues at cultural sites. HPO staff said they will provide further detail on staffing needs and site lists eligible under the NPS disaster grant.
Ending
The committee did not vote on grants or appropriations at the hearing; HPO requested restoration or funding for critical staff positions and clarified that the disaster grant’s eligible projects are defined in the NPS grant agreement.
