Senate fiscal committee reviews DLNR budget as invasive‑species grants await NEPA clearance

The Senate Fiscal Affairs Committee heard an overview of the Department of Lands and Natural Resources (DLNR) fiscal 2026 request and questioned agency leaders on delayed federal grants, vacant positions and maintenance needs across Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

DLNR Secretary Yso Mar told the committee the department supports the governor’s submitted budget but said the agency is relying on a mix of revolving funds and federal grants to sustain operations. “We recognize that our economy is hurting, and everybody’s gotta take a pinch somewhere, and we do the same at DLNR,” the secretary said during an opening statement.

Why it matters: DLNR handles biosecurity, parks, fisheries, agriculture, land registration and other island resources. Committee members repeatedly pressed DLNR on grant delays that affect frontline biosecurity work — including personnel for traps, inspections and entomology — and on the practical effect at ports and marinas where increased military and commercial traffic has raised officials’ concern about new pest introductions.

Most significant takeaways - Grants and FTEs pending NEPA review: DLNR reported 19 positions associated with invasive‑species funding; 10 are vacant and most of the vacancies relate to awards waiting for environmental (NEPA) review and federal clearance before funds can be obligated and staff hired. Secretary Mar and invasive‑species head Natasha Tomakani explained the NEPA process is delaying the department’s ability to expend grant funds and bring people on board. “We are seeing progress, but very, very slow,” Tomakani said. - Staffing and recruitment challenges: Committee members and DLNR described competition for workers on Tinian and Rota from higher‑paying private and contract jobs tied to increased military activity. DLNR said candidates are hesitant to accept grant‑dependent FTEs with uncertain long‑term funding and that the department is considering raising entry salaries or partnering with municipal offices to temporarily assign mayoral employees to grant work. - Biosecurity coordination: DLNR said customs and the recently reorganized Customs and Biosecurity office have primary port authority for interception, and DLNR is working “hand in hand” with them. Committee members emphasized the need for a clarified memorandum of understanding (MOU) and faster operational coordination so quarantine/biosecurity personnel can ensure inspections keep pace with increased transport volumes. - Marina and parks maintenance: DLNR officials and committee members discussed ongoing maintenance gaps at marinas on Tinian and Rota. DLNR said a grant that becomes available Oct. 1 will fund recreational‑area maintenance and that an RFP for ground maintenance is planned; officials estimated about a three‑month turnaround to obligate those funds once accounts are ready. Members urged DLNR to explore interim options to keep facilities clean and safe while grant procedures proceed. - Coral Reef Initiative transfer: Secretary Mar said the Coral Reef Initiative will move into DLNR effective Oct. 1; the department has been the state point of contact for the coral‑reef task force and highlighted previous steps (including a proclamation recognizing coral reefs as critical infrastructure) to make the program eligible for FEMA hazard‑mitigation funds. - Agriculture and food‑security programs: DLNR’s agriculture director said the micro‑grant (food security) program awarded 75 applicants this cycle (50 Saipan, 7 Tinian, 11 Rota) and that resilient‑food‑system infrastructure grants of roughly $1.9 million remain active for several infrastructure and equipment projects.

Discussion highlights and lines of questioning Committee members asked for detail on the NEPA hold‑ups, whether grant awards have performance periods or extendable timelines (DLNR said federal grants generally allow for performance‑period extensions), and how DLNR will staff field positions such as entomologists and brown‑tree‑snake responders. Senators suggested short‑term options, including mayoral cost‑sharing for municipal employees while grant authorization is pending.

Operational details and clarifications DLNR said the invasive‑species program is currently 100% federally funded for some grants; multiple awards are awaiting NEPA categorical exclusions because the projects use chemicals (herbicides/pesticides) that require federal review. DLNR reported active CRB (coconut rhinoceros beetle) response work in Rota with no newly infested sites identified in the past year but ongoing night‑time detection and trapping.

What the committee asked DLNR to follow up on Committee members requested (1) clearer, written role definitions and an MOU or similar agreement with Customs and Biosecurity on port procedures; (2) clarification and certification of DLNR revolving‑fund balances; (3) a list of the 19 invasive‑species positions and which are funded/filled; and (4) status and timeline for the planned RFP to maintain recreational grounds at the Tinian and Rota marinas.

Ending: DLNR agreed to return with more detailed financial certifications, a staffing list and documentation of grant timelines. Members said they would summon DLNR again to address operational gaps that extend beyond budget questions if needed.