House passes bill authorizing up to $40 million in emergency financing for utility restoration after twin typhoons

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 24-107 on a 20-0 vote during a Saturday special session, authorizing the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) to obtain up to $40,000,000 in emergency financing to repair and restore electric, water and wastewater systems damaged by Super Typhoons Sinaloku and Bobby.

Republican floor leader moved the emergency declaration that allowed immediate consideration of the bill, saying the financing authority is needed to “prevent disruption to essential utility services and to ensure the timely restoration and stabilization of critical public infrastructure.” The motion to declare an emergency was adopted by the full House before public testimony and debate.

CUC officials and community leaders urged quick action. “This financing will provide the working capital needed to accelerate restoration … procure fuel and materials, support temporary generation and pay contractors,” CUC Chief Financial Officer Betty Terlahi told legislators, saying many customers have been without power for 96 days and that the financing would bridge restoration costs until FEMA and other reimbursements arrive. Kevin Watson, CUC executive director, said he supports the bill and will comply with the reporting and accountability requirements included in the legislation.

Public commenters reinforced the request: Kim Camacho, executive director of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, told the House that outages have threatened public health, economic activity and the reopening of schools and businesses and urged swift passage. Miranda V. Manglonia, a CUC board member representing Rota, said restoration would stall without the authority granted by the bill.

Lawmakers debated safeguards and limits before passage. Representative Vincent Aldan offered a floor amendment requiring at least 10 calendar days’ legislative notice before closing any financing option and allowing the House legal counsel to make non‑substantive technical corrections; the amendment was adopted. Aldan and Representative Faldan also argued against using customer security deposits as collateral, citing statutory limits and customer ownership of those funds, while CUC’s CFO said deposits would remain protected and be used only as collateral, not spent.

Representative Aquino said her support was conditional: she backed emergency financing while emphasizing the bill must become a turning point for CUC’s financial management, calling for independent audits and clear accountability so borrowing does not become a pretext for future rate increases. Several members, including representatives from Rota and other affected precincts, described widespread outages and pressing humanitarian needs on the islands.

With no opposing votes recorded, the clerk announced that House Bill 24-107, house draft 1, passed the House. Sponsors asked the Senate to act quickly; one member said he hopes the Senate will consider the bill as soon as Monday so lenders can prepare documentation.

The House also recorded a formal emergency declaration earlier in the session to permit immediate consideration of the measure. The session concluded with brief remarks thanking CUC staff and an announcement about Red Cross resource centers for Rota. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.