The marpi public cemetery serves as the commonwealth's primary public burial ground, offering a final resting place for residents and honoring the memories of those who have passed

The Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs awarded $350,000 to the Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands under the Economic, Social, and Political Development of the Territories program (CFDA 15.875) on October 1, 2025, for comprehensive renovation and enhancement of the Marpi Public Cemetery. The project, scheduled for completion by September 30, 2030, addresses critical infrastructure improvements to preserve the cemetery's role as the Commonwealth's primary public burial ground while ensuring safe, dignified, and accessible facilities for families and visitors. The award supports construction of perimeter security infrastructure, including a 6-foot aluminum fence with ten vehicle and pedestrian gates; accessibility upgrades comprising American Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant parking, walkways, ramps, and seating areas; and rehabilitation of existing facilities including the chapel, restrooms, and septic system servicing.

The project delivers substantial beautification and visitor convenience improvements through landscaping with native trees and vegetation, installation of concrete benches, and wayfinding signage to enhance the cemetery's welcoming environment. These improvements directly support infrastructure maintenance and capital improvement priorities within the Office of Insular Affairs' territorial development program, addressing aging infrastructure and delayed site development resulting from previous court-ordered restrictions that have now been lifted.

Over the years, natural wear and aging infrastructure have created the need for significant improvements to ensure the site remains safe, accessible, and dignified for families and visitors. Further site development was previously delayed by a court order, which has since been lifted. The commonwealth government has now adopted the necessary regulations and procedures to reopen the cemetery for public use. This project will renovate and enhance the marpi public cemetery to preserve its cultural and historical significance while providing a respectful and well-maintained resting place. Planned improvements include: - safety & security: construction of a new 6-foot aluminum perimeter fence with ten 10-foot-wide vehicle and pedestrian gates. - accessibility: upgrades to roadways and parking areas to ensure safe and convenient access. - maintenance & rehabilitation: renovation of the existing chapel, restrooms, and septic system, along with servicing of the pump room and deep well. - beautification: landscaping with native trees and greenery to create a serene and welcoming environment. - visitor convenience: installation of wayfinding signage and concrete benches to provide comfort and ease of navigation. These upgrades will help safeguard the cemetery's role as a place of remembrance and cultural heritage, ensuring that IT continues to serve families and future generations with dignity and respect. Project activities the proposed activities include: - infrastructure upgrades: construct new perimeter fencing, with vehicle and man gate for security and rehabilitation of existing chapel. - accessibility improvements: construct ADA-compliant parking, walkways, ramps, and seating areas. - beautification efforts: landscaping, tree planting, and installation of benches. - digital mapping and records: provide new concrete markers to aid in the implementation of cemetery mapping system and electronic record-keeping. Expected outcomes upon completion, the project will result in: - a safe, accessible, and dignified cemetery for residents and visitors. - improved community satisfaction with burial services and cemetery upkeep. - strengthened cultural preservation by maintaining a sacred public space. - enhanced government capacity for cemetery management through digital records. - a sustainable maintenance plan to ensure long-term upkeep.