The US Congressman for the Northern Marianas says new legislation passed by Washington could double the territory's funding for water projects.
Gregorio Kilili Sablan Photo: USDA/Lance Cheung.
On Thursday congress passed the a bill, which increases the money for a safe drinking water fund, from $US1 billion to nearly $US2 billion.
Congressman Gregorio Kilili Sablan said the Northern Marianas receives around $US3.5 million annually from the fund and this could now double.
The act also cancels a proposed axing of $US20 million in water infrastructure earmarked for Saipan.
A US Environmental Protection Agency report in March found there is a need for nearly $US200 million in funding towards water infrastructure in the Northern Marianas over the next 20 years.
Combined with a similar level of need for the territories of American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands, the EPA said $US1 billion would be needed.
"The overall challenges for all the US territories include rapidly deteriorating infrasturcutre, a seasonal transient customer base, limited source water options, and ground water contamination," the report said.