The CNMI Department of Finance is conducting an audit of the Building Optimism, Opportunities and Stability Together (BOOST) program. The American Rescue Plan federally-funded initiative, launched under former governor Ralph Torres, was the subject of a legislative investigation.

It revealed widespread conflicts of interest in millions of dollars of awards given to local businesses meant to "boost" the economy. 264 recipients received a notice from finance requiring them to submit supporting documents of their application, awards, and status of their expenditures by April 30.

Secretary Tracy Norita with the CNMI Department of Finance said, "The letter that went out to all BOOST recipients is part of the award agreement that they had agreed for compliance and monitoring activities. So part of that is submission of documents and our staff will be going through those documents to ensure the funds wee used properly and to report any suspicious activity to the Attorney General's Office."

She says "failure to respond...may require recipients to return the full amount of the BOOST grant award."