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DLNR Tinian seeks more repairs, fuel and local control of military leaseback money; requests boat for patrols
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Summary
The Tinian office of the Department of Lands and Natural Resources told lawmakers it needs funds for equipment repairs, fuel and to patrol the military leaseback area — and said $250,000 in military‑leaseback funds was routed to Saipan with limited local spending authority.
Ardi Borja, resident director for the Department of Lands and Natural Resources on Tinian, told the Committee on Ways and Means that the department needs operating funds for fuel, equipment repairs and patrols and that current revolving accounts generate minimal revenue.
“We got the Fish and Wildlife, Parks and Recreation, the agriculture side. Yes. So and even the heavy equipment operation, we handle those. And we bought that critical area there. I think we won't be able to function anything at all, do, any service to the public,” Borja said, describing equipment and fuel shortfalls for mowing, ranching and other services.
Borja asked the committee to look at repair and maintenance lines that had been zeroed out and pointed to several requested amounts the department seeks for FY26: repair and maintenance for agriculture ($50,000 requested in the worksheet), fuel and lubrication (a requested $20,000 for agriculture operations) and $30,000 requested elsewhere for fuel and lubrication across DLNR divisions. Borja also said DLNR divisions operate three small revolving funds with low receipts — the agriculture equipment fund typically brings in $2,000–$3,000 per year, the cattle‑slaughter account brings in about $100 per year, and fish and wildlife licensing yields $500–$600 per year.
Borja told the committee that military leaseback funding earmarked for local patrols had been split: $250,000 was announced, with $100,000 designated for Tinian and $150,000 retained on Saipan. Borja said spending authority and procurement control remained with Saipan, leaving Tinian staff without direct authority to obligate or spend the local share. He asked the committee to press Saipan to give Tinian at least one boat so local staff can patrol waters and respond to reports of illegal landings.
“We need a boat,” Borja said. “We don't have a boat to come over here and pick up our personnel and go down and check those people.”
Committee members asked about revenue generation from equipment rentals; witnesses said DLNR charges $12 an hour for government equipment but private contractors can charge $35 an hour. Members urged DLNR to consider raising fees and better accounting for equipment use to increase sustainability. Members also asked for inventories and clarified that a substantial portion of the reported $250,000 military leaseback grant would remain controlled by Saipan.
Ending: The committee did not take formal action on DLNR requests during this session. Members noted the need to reconcile Saipan‑held funds and local spending authority and said they would follow up with the central office and the delegation on the boat and leaseback monies.
