OIA Press Releases (2020 to Present)

Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs Applauds 33rd APIPA Conference for Strengthening Public Accountability in Island Areas

09/22/2022

The APIPA 2022 conference provided training for auditing and financial accountability officials required by government auditing standards for auditors to maintain their professional competency. Thirteen (13) two-hour and four-hour courses were delivered during the conference in Plenary, Audit, and Finance tracks. More than 507 participants joined the conference, expanding their skills in government auditing and financial standards, audit report writing, grants management, leadership, risk, and internal controls. In total, over 2,785 course certificates were awarded for 7,028 credit hours.

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Assistant Secretary Cantor Visits Northern Mariana Islands, Announces $410,974 in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments

09/16/2022

During her visit, Assistant Secretary Cantor announced $410,974 in grant funding that will be provided through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to conserve local ecosystems and be used to help counter the invasive Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle and the invasive Velvet Bean Vine. She delivered remarks at the 25th Annual District Judicial Conference for the Northern Mariana Islands and toured the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, Saipan’s only hospital.

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Compact-Mandated Palau Economic Advisory Group Launched

09/15/2022

“The Department of the Interior is committed to providing support and assistance in the launch of the bilateral Palau Economic Advisory Group” said Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor. “We commend Palau for hosting the first meeting and applaud the EAG for taking the time to meet in Palau and begin these important conversations.”

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces $571,306 in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Investments for the U.S. Virgin Islands

09/08/2022

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a once-in-a-generation investment for American infrastructure across this country, including the territories,” said Assistant Secretary Cantor.  “The Office of Insular Affairs will continue working to deliver these critical investments towards resilient physical and natural infrastructure as we safeguard ecosystems, protect endangered species and support U.S. Virgin Island communities.

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