In the Northern Marianas, the plan to build a $US150 million Titanic-themed resort hotel has stalled with Bridge Investment Group facing permit problems on its lease on the Port of Tinian.
While it had previously secured a 40-year lease on the property, the company has not received approval from Coastal Resources Management because casino gaming is not considered a port-related activity and CRM has not issued it with a permit on that basis.
Furthermore, the Department of Public Lands said the lease is in violation of its grant of public domain to the Commonwealth Ports Authority because the latter has leased out the property to an entity that engages in an activity that is considered illegal on its premises.
The resort was to be developed in two phases, starting with the hotel and casino and then expanding into an adjoining Titanic replica that will sit on Tinian harbour.
The company originally planned to break ground on its development in January 2016.