The mayor of Tinian in the Northern Marianas sees tourism and the casino industry as the ecomonic future for his island and not live fire training by the US military.
Ramon Dela Cruz says the people will not accept an artillery range and urged the CNMI government to consider this in discussions with the US military.
The Tinian community however is still supporting the military development of their leased lands.
The U.S. military plans to use Tinian and Pagan to resolve its training deficiencies in the Western Pacific.
Guam's training areas are already being used to capacity.
Our correspondent, Mark Rabago, says there is already one casino on Tinian and Mr Dela Cruz is keen for expansion, and other things.
And also tourism because there is a rebound in the entire Marianas and they want to get a share of that to. They also cite that the Federal Aviation Administration has also red flagged live fire training ranges because it might affect air traffic to the islands which would result in the disruption of air service.
Mark Rabago says the CNMI government is now waiting on a US environment impact report on Pagan and Tinian
