19 Oct 2017

CNMI wants halt to US firing range negotiations

12:36 pm on 19 October 2017

The governor of the Northern Marianas Ralph Torres wants to temporarily halt negotiations with the US military for firing ranges on the islands of Tinian and Pagan.

Instead, Mr Torres proposed the military focus on the divert airfield plan for Tinian.

A beach in Tinian, CNMI, used for subsistence fishing and recreation by local residents.  Proposed US military live-fire training would prevent access to this beach much of the year. Saipan is visible just across the water.

A beach in Tinian, CNMI, used for subsistence fishing and recreation by local residents. Proposed US military live-fire training would prevent access to this beach much of the year. Saipan is visible just across the water. Photo: Dan Lin

The divert plan calls for the military to release $US375 million for the improvement of the Tinian International Airport.

It would be used in the event Anderson Air Force Base in Guam is rendered inoperable due to attack or natural calamity.