The Northern Marianas has averted a government shutdown with Governor Ralph Torres signing a $US258-million budget, the largest budget in the territory's history.
The 2019 budget is almost $US11.2 million higher than the previous record of $US247 million set 21 years ago when the CNMI economy was driven by its garment and tourism industries.
Across the board, government agencies have been given funding raises, particularly education, health and policing.
Mr Torres would've been forced to order a government shutdown if no fiscal year 2019 budget was signed into law by October 1.
CNMI Governor Ralph Torres Photo: CNMI Govt
