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United States Department of the Interior
408oe
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
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: 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. _
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