CNMI requests $US30m to bury part of power system

10:58 am on 12 March 2019

The Northern Marianas has submitted plans for an underground power system in key areas on Saipan and Tinian to the federal government, and the price tag is $US30 million.

Saipan in the Northern Marianas.

Saipan in the Northern Marianas. Photo: Supplied

The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation says the proposed underground network would primarily benefit the hospital, the airport and a key village on Saipan.

It will also protect the power lines going to the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Office and the Office of the Governor.

On Tinian, the underground system would protect the Tinian clinic and airport.

The underground power system aims to stop federal authorities having to assist and rebuild electricity infrastructure each time there was a typhoon.