NA United States Department of the Interior 408oe OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240 : % 7 : POLITICAL STATUS CHANCES IN THE TERRITORIES GOVERNMENT OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS On March 24, 1976, the President signed into law a Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States (P.L. 94-241, 90 stat. 263). The area includes Saipan, Rota, Tinian and 18 other small islands. Currently, the Northern, Mariana Islands is administered separately from the remainder of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. During this transition period, the Trust Territory Government headquarters in Saipan has continued to serve as the "state" agency for the Government of the Northern Mariana Islands for most federal programs. ‘Also, during this period, the Northern Marianas have remained | eligible for all programs that are made available to the Trust Territory. Following the Presidential approval of the Constitution which is expected in late August, 1977, and within 180 days after such approval, the Northern Marianas will become eligible for federal programs now available to Guam and other territories. When the Government of the. Northern Marianas elects its own governor and its governmental infrastructure is in place, which is anticipated the first of next year, the Government of the Northern Marianas will also assume "state agency" responsibilities for most federal programs. _ REPOSITORY COLLECTION > - doe/PASO DoeV ay BORNAan. LScaes rowpen Foca FO LY LZ 7S = ZZ GERAL COLESoaDEWOA ..