SBOC and Finance to begin processes for the $4.9 million public projects and social programs appropriation

FSMIS (February 6, 2014): On February 4, Federated States of Micronesia President Manny Mori instructed the Secretary of Finance and Administration and the Director of the Office of Statistics, Budget and Economic Management, Overseas Development Assistance, and Compact Management (SBOC) to begin to expedite the facilitation of public projects and social programs per Public Law No. 18-35.

When the appropriation of $4.9 million became law (PL No. 18-35) on January, President Mori froze action from the two departments pending the improvement of the process involved in formulating public projects and the strengthening of the Project Control Document (PCD) -- the document that should control the implementation of project based on the language of the appropriation law itself.

The President has relaxed the temporary freeze of funds toward public projects pursuant to the "most recent meetings" with Congress regarding public project implementation and the PCD process.

Furthermore, President Mori has specified to the named departments that any public project laws enacted after the third regular session of Congress, which ended on February 1, 2014, "will become subject to an improved, modified, and more transparent and comprehensive process currently being drafted by the Executive branch".

"This new process will be shared with Congress through the newly appointed Joint Working Group, whose membership is comprised of Executive and Legislative branch representation."

Very recently, the President engaged Congress in intense consultative meetings on the subject of ensuring that the formulation of public project allows for public review and  input in a more transparent and carefully guided manner. Discussions were also held on the need to ensure public project appropriation law accords clear guidance to allottees to prevent unnecessary implementation delay or complications due to vagueness compounded by the absence of public hearing and committee report from Congress.

For inquiries, call the FSM Public Information Office at 320-2548 or email fsmpio@mail.fm.