P.O. BOX 500309 CK, SAIPAN, MP 96950-0309

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Session: 3^rd day, 2^nd Regular

WHEREAS, there are ten (10) volcanic islands north of Saipan known as Farallon de Mendinilla, Anatahan, Sariguan, Guguan, Alamagan, Pagan, Agrihan, Asuncion, Maug, and Farralon de Pajaros;

WHEREAS, prior to the Pagan Island volcano eruption in 1981, Anatahan, Sariguan, Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan were all inhabited islands;

WHEREAS, several residents were either forced or have voluntarily decided to relocated to Saipan due to the threat of volcanic activities and the uncertainty of government-sponsored field-trip vessels to the islands; and

WHEREAS, several residents of the Northern Islands have expressed their strong desire to return to the placed they once called home in the Northern Islands; and

WHEREAS, the issuance of homesteads for the entitled residents would allow the return of the residents to the Northern Islands and allow for residential development thereof; and

WHEREAS, the government should also negotiate with interested business developers, who can offer employment opportunities for the residents and who will commit to the development of the Northern Islands in return for the exclusive rights to conduct lawful mining activities; and

WHEREAS, the Council believes that it would be in the best interests of the government if the business developers are provided with an exclusive right to conduct mining business activities in the Northern Islands in consideration for their commitment to develop the islands; NOW THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED, by the Sixth Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council, that the Council hereby requests the Board of Public Lands to expedite the implementation of the village homestead program and economic development activities in the Northern Islands.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chairman and Vice Chairman shall certify and the Council’s Secretary shall attest to the adoption of this Resolution and thereafter transmit certified copies to Honorable Pedro P. Tenorio, Governor, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Honorable Paul A. Manglona, Senate President, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Honorable Benifgno R. Fitial, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Honorable Pete P. Reyes, Chairman, Saipan Legislative Delegation, Honorable Jose C. Sabl;an, Mayor of Saipan, and Honorable Joseph T. Ogomoro, Mayor of the Northern Islands.

Introduced by: (signed)

Gregorio V. Deleon Guerrero, Chairman

Cavid A. Indalecio, Vice Chairman

Jesus SN. Lizama, Secretary

DATED: April 24, 2000 Prefile