The US President George W Bush has declared a major disaster for the Northern Marianas Islands due to damage from Typhoon Nabi two months ago.
The Saipan Tribune reports the president's declaration will allow the Commonwealth to receive federal relief and recovery assistance amounting to 75 percent of eligible costs.
Island residents are not eligible for individual assistance under the declaration.
However, government agencies and certain private nonprofit organizations may receive funding for emergency work and the repair and replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.
CNMI Governor Juan Babauta says the declaration took a little long because the president has been busy with other disasters in states.
The estimated cost of the damage incurred by the CNMI due to Typhoon Nabi is around 2-million-US dollars.
