Apatang says CNMI lacks land for ‘Great American Base’ proposal

Gov. David M. Apatang said that the CNMI is unlikely to accommodate the Department of War’s proposal to establish a new military base because the Commonwealth simply does not have enough land. 

“So like I said, we just don't have the land requirement that they are looking for in the Commonwealth,” Apatang said during a press conference this morning, Oct. 8, at the Governor’s Office on Capitol Hill.

Special assistant to the Governor for the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs Edward C. Camacho said the proposed “Great American Base” requires 100,000 to 250,000 acres of contiguous land, along with adequate power, water, schools, healthcare, and other facilities to support military personnel and their dependents.

Camacho said the CNMI could instead explore smaller military annexes on Saipan, Tinian, Rota, or the Northern Islands, adding that the administration would formally respond to the Department of War and explain the Commonwealth’s limitations.

More details to follow.