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FSM Congress Proposed Funds for the El Niño Preparation

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): November 11, 1997 - On Monday, the 20th of October, 1997, a bill was introduced in Congress of the FSM requesting for an appropriation of $2,000,000 for the General Funds to finance projects for building water tanks and developing water sources for communities in the four FSM states.

The purpose of the bill is to enhance the water supply situations for the community by building water storage tanks, catchments, wells as well as other water facilities, including desalination facilities in preparation for drought that is believed to occur with El Niño conditions.

The amounts of $800,000 to the State of Chuuk, $600,000 to the State of Pohnpei, and $200,000 to the State of Kosrae are to be allotted to the FSM President or his designee and the $400,000 for the State of Yap will be allotted to the Governor of Yap who must consult with the Chairman of the Yap Congressional Delegation prior to obligation or expenditure of the funds.

All funds appropriated by this act shall be allotted, managed, administered and accounted for in accordance with applicable law, including, but not limited to, the Financial Act of 1979.

The bill was introduced by Yap's Senator Isaac V. Figir.