CNMI Office of Planning and Development

28/08/2026

📢 Please join us in welcoming Rodney James SN Taisacan as our new Rota Solid Waste Project Coordinator!

Rodney brings multiple years of public service, most recently serving three years as the Resident Director of Commerce on Rota.

In his new role, he will be focusing on coordinating our federally-funded solid waste projects and programs on Rota, together with the Office of the Mayor of the Municipality of Rota, Department of Public Works (DPW), the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality (BECQ), and other stakeholders.

Welcome to the team, Rodney! 🎉

28/08/2026

⏰ REMINDERS FOR PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS/PROPOSERS

Bids are due by 10 AM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 CHST for ITB26-OPD/DPW-SWMD-42600072-CIF Rota (Supply & Delivery of Various Heavy Equipment Units for the Department of Public Works (DPW), Rota).

Bids are due by 10:30 AM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 CHST for ITB26-OPD/DPW-SWMD-42600073-CIF Tinian (Supply & Delivery of Various Heavy Equipment Units for the Department of Public Works (DPW), Tinian).

Proposals are due by 10 AM on Friday, September 4, 2026 CHST for RFP26-OPD-42600094 (Specialized Solid Waste Assessment and Waste Characterization Study for the Northern Islands, CNMI).

Thank you for your interest in these projects!

28/08/2026

📢 CALLING ALL CNMI SCHOOLS — this program's for YOU!

Ever wondered what really happens to the stuff you throw away? 🚛♻️

Introducing Beyond the Bin — tours to our solid waste management facilities where students get to see, firsthand, how waste is managed across the CNMI... and how they are part of the solution.

🎓 Open to ALL students — from Kindergarten to College/Trades School, public or private, everyone is welcome to join.

Whether your students are just learning what "recycle" means or they're gearing up for careers in environmental science, engineering, solid waste management, or public service — this program meets them where they are and shows them why their role matters, no matter their age.

✅ Invitation packages have already been sent to your school administrators. Instructors, ask your school administrators about signing your classes up!

📩 Questions? Message us here on social media or email [email protected]

Let's work together toward a zero-waste CNMI — one tour at a time. 🌱

[Note: Due to ongoing disaster recovery post-Super Typhoon Bavi, Rota facility tours are temporarily postponed until further notice.]

25/08/2026

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (August 25, 2026) – On August 12, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded more than $32 million to the CNMI Office of Planning and Development (OPD) for priority solid waste and recycling infrastructure projects.

The first award, $31,595,325 through the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act (ASADRA), will improve solid waste infrastructure and management CNMI-wide by upgrading and expanding facilities, increasing staff and training, purchasing equipment, boosting compliance among CNMI Department of Public Works (DPW)-operated facilities, and leading islandwide education and outreach. Expected outcomes include tons of waste collected, recycled, composted, or otherwise managed in compliance with CNMI regulations; materials shipped off island; increased facility processing capacity; and new jobs.

The second award, $709,047 through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) via EPA's Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant program, supports long-term planning and data collection toward the National Recycling Goal and Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal, and advances a circular economy for materials. It will fund equipment procurement and rehabilitation on Saipan and Tinian, and the design and construction of a Community Reuse Drop-off Facility on Tinian.

CNMI OPD Acting Director Elizabeth S. Balajadia, P.E., expressed gratitude to the EPA, Governor David M. Apatang, Lt. Governor Dennis James C. Mendiola, the Planning and Development Advisory Council (PDAC), and the CNMI Inter-Island Solid Waste Management Taskforce (ISWMT) for their continued support of solid waste management in the CNMI. “Solid waste management is a shared responsibility, and this progress reflects the strength of collaboration across the CNMI government, federal partners, and the community. We remain committed to working with everyone involved to keep moving forward,” said Balajadia.

CNMI OPD and PDAC were established under CNMI Public Law 20-20 in 2017 to lead sustainable, coordinated planning for the CNMI. The ISWMT, established in 2002 and revived in 2020, operates under the CNMI Office of the Governor with guidance from the EPA and includes OPD, DPW, the CNMI Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality (BECQ), the CNMI Department of Lands and Natural Resources (DLNR), and the Offices of the Mayors of the Northern Islands, Saipan, Tinian and Aguiguan, and Rota. The ISWMT strengthens CNMI's solid waste infrastructure through interagency coordination, public-private partnerships, and public outreach.

To learn more, visit opd.gov.mp or follow OPD on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

25/08/2026

⏰ BID SUBMISSION DEADLINES EXTENDED

Bids are now due by 10:30 AM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 CHST for ITB26-OPD/DPW-SWMD-42600073-CIF Tinian (Supply & Delivery of Various Heavy Equipment Units for the Department of Public Works (DPW), Tinian).

Bids are now due by 10 AM on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 CHST for ITB26-OPD/DPW-SWMD-42600072-CIF Rota (Supply & Delivery of Various Heavy Equipment Units for the Department of Public Works (DPW), Rota). The Scope of Work has also been revised, to remove any and all mention of operator training, as well as to change the final point of destination.

22/08/2026

ALL CLEAR: Saipan and Tinian — 8:00 AM CHST, August 22, 2026

Governor David M. Apatang has issued an ALL CLEAR for Saipan and Tinian as of 8:00 AM this morning. Typhoon Condition I remains in effect for Agrihan, Pagan, and Alamagan.

TYPHOON SAUDEL (17W) — BULLETIN #09

Current Status (7:00 AM CHST):
• Location: 17.5N 146.9E
• Maximum sustained winds: 90 MPH (intensifying)
• Movement: Northwest at 15 MPH
• Expected to pass close to Agrihan this evening

WATCHES & WARNINGS IN EFFECT:
🔴 TYPHOON WARNING: Pagan, Agrihan
Typhoon-force winds (74+ MPH) imminent or occurring

🟡 TROPICAL STORM WARNING: Alamagan
Tropical storm-force winds (39–73 MPH) imminent or occurring

🟠 TYPHOON WATCH: Alamagan
Typhoon-force winds possible if track shifts sufficiently westward

GOVERNOR'S CONDITIONS:
• Typhoon Condition I: Agrihan, Pagan, Alamagan
Damaging winds of 39 MPH or more expected by NOON
• ALL CLEAR: Saipan, Tinian

STAY INFORMED:
• NOAA Weather Radio: Dial 211
• CNMI EOC State Warning Point: 237-8000 or 664-8000
• Northern Islands (HF SSB Radio): Frequency 5.205.0
• Monitor local media outlets for continuous updates

NEXT BULLETINS:
• Intermediate: 11:00 AM CHST
• Scheduled: 2:00 PM CHST

Residents in Typhoon Condition I areas are advised to complete all preparations immediately, remain indoors, and follow official guidance. The CNMI Emergency Operations Center will continue monitoring Typhoon Saudel and issue updates as conditions warrant.

22/08/2026

*SAIPAN & TINIAN:* Tropical Storm Condition III has been cancelled effective 5:00 a.m. Saturday, August 21, 2026.
*PAGAN, ALAMAGAN & AGRIHAN:* Typhoon Condition I remains in effect.

Read the full release here: https://bit.ly/4zsyH6o

As Typhoon Saudel moves away from Saipan and Tinian and makes its closest approach to the Northern Islands today, residents on Saipan and Tinian should still expect periods of showers and thunderstorms, locally heavy rainfall, gusty winds, hazardous surf, and dangerous marine conditions.

⚠️ Current advisories for Saipan and Tinian:

* Small Craft Advisory
* High Surf Advisory
* High Risk of Rip Currents
* Hydrologic Outlook

A Typhoon Warning remains in effect for Pagan and Agrihan. Damaging tropical-storm-force winds are expected over the next few hours, with possible typhoon-force winds—especially near Pagan and Agrihan. Pagan and Agrihan Residents should prepare for heavy rain, thunderstorms, dangerous surf, and rapidly changing conditions.

The public is urged to secure outdoor items, avoid beaches and flooded roadways, stay off the water, keep emergency supplies ready, and follow instructions from local officials.

Monitor official updates from CNMI HSEM, the CNMI Joint Information Center, and the National Weather Service Guam. Please avoid sharing unverified storm information.

Follow on Facebook, on Instagram, or join the CNMI JIC WhatsApp Channel: tinyurl.com/CNMI-JIC

22/08/2026

22/08/2026

Tropical Storm Condition III declared for Saipan & Tinian
Typhoon Condition III maintained for Pagan, Alamagan & Agrihan

At 8:00 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, Governor David M. Apatang declared Tropical Storm Condition III for Saipan and Tinian. This means tropical storm–force winds of at least 39 mph are possible within 48 hours. A tropical storm watch is in effect for Saipan and Tinian; a typhoon watch remains in effect for Pagan, Alamagan, and Agrihan. Read the full release here: https://bit.ly/4c3lbfA

Tropical Storm Saudel (17W) is moving northwest at 7 mph, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph, and is forecast to strengthen into a typhoon Friday night, possibly undergoing rapid intensification Friday–Saturday. The track continues to bring Saudel through the Far Northern Mariana Islands as an intensifying Category 3 typhoon.

CNMI HSEM and the CNMI JIC urge all residents to:�

✅ Monitor official updates from NWS Guam, CNMI HSEM/JIC, and local media�
✅ Secure or remove loose outdoor items
✅ Clear drains, gutters, and storm drains to reduce flooding�
✅ Stock water, food, meds, and essentials for several days�
✅ Prepare emergency kits (flashlights, batteries, first aid, chargers, power banks, portable stove)�
✅ Charge phones and backup power devices�
✅ Secure important documents in waterproof containers�
✅ Review family emergency plans and check on vulnerable neighbors�
✅ Avoid boating and unnecessary marine activities; mariners should secure vessels

🏕️ STRONG tents currently in use on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are rated for up to 4 inches of rain/hour and winds up to 55 mph. Based on current forecasts, they do NOT need to be taken down at this time.

For the latest information:�
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💬 WhatsApp: tinyurl.com/CNMI-JIC

22/08/2026

Corrected: 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐈𝐈 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧, 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐧

At 1:00 pm today, Thursday, Aug. 20, Governor David M. Apatang declared Typhoon Condition III for Pagan, Alamagan, and Agrihan, with a Typhoon Watch now in effect. Damaging winds of 74 mph or greater are possible within 48 hours.

While no watches or warnings are in effect for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, residents are urged to monitor Tropical Storm Saudel (17W) and prepare for increased rainfall and gustier conditions late this weekend. Current forecasts show a low probability of direct impacts, but conditions can change quickly if the track shifts westward.

Saudel is expected to intensify into a strong typhoon and pass northeast of Saipan through the Northern Marianas Saturday night. NWS Guam estimates only a 10–20% chance of tropical-storm-force winds for Saipan and less than 5% for Rota.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐨:

✅Monitor official updates from NWS Guam, CNMI JIC/HSEM, and local media
✅Ensure emergency kits are stocked (water, food, meds, flashlights, batteries, documents)
✅Secure loose outdoor items; clear drains/gutters; trim vegetation
✅Review family emergency and communication plans
✅Avoid unnecessary travel if conditions worsen

STRONG tents on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are rated for up to 4 inches of rain per hour and winds to 55 mph. Based on current forecasts, they do not need to be taken down at this time.

Weather Outlook: Fair weather expected through Saturday for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Increasing showers, gusty winds, and rougher marine conditions possible Sunday–Monday.

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