The Northern Marianas Governor, Benigno Fitial, has again extended an emergency declaration for the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation.
The governor cited a range of problems including a series of financial woes - many stemming from the non-payment of bills - and the violation of orders from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Governor Fitial said the recent financial crisis in June has led the central government to reprogram millions of funds so it could pay CUC to buy fuel.
The extended emergency declaration also cited the latest fine of 140,000 US dollars levied by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency due to violations of stipulated orders.
He said said the CUC also faces new wastewater and water challenges.
The CNMI governor first declared a state of emergency for CUC in August 2008.
