CNMI will start $40.5M in road improvements Staff Reports Road construction will commence this year to improve the transportation needs of the Northern Marianas. The administration of Gov. Ralph Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold Palacios has committed to repairing and enhancing major highways and thoroughfares on Saipan, according to a news release. Led by Palacios, the Highway Task Force streamlined plans and funding to rebuild roads damaged through disasters, heavy equipment, erosion and stormwater runoff. The need to align projects and funding sources was a critical component, ensuring that all federal partners understand the needs of the CNMI as much as those who are doing the “boots on the ground” work, the release stated.