7 May 2019

CNMI to trim budget in wake of Yutu damage

9:54 am on 7 May 2019

The Northern Marianas continues to reel from the devastating effects of Super Typhoon Yutu and will cut $US30 from its budget this year.

Hopwood Middle School was severely damaged by Super Typhoon Yutu

Hopwood Middle School was severely damaged by Super Typhoon Yutu Photo: RNZ Pacific / Mark Rabago

The Northern Marianas continues to reel from the devastating effects of Super Typhoon Yutu and will be implementing a $US30 million budget cut this year.

Governor Ralph Torres said his administration would follow recommendations made by the Department of Finance and reduce its budget in the coming fiscal year that starts in October.

While the CNMI continues to show signs of recovery, state spending will be curbed as the local economy rebounds, Mr Torres said.

Yutu brought winds and gusts up to 350 kilometres an hour to the islands of Saipan and Tinian last October.

It caused major damage to homes and businesses, displacing many residents and bringing the economy to a standstill for about two months.

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