Kilili divert airfield provision struck out in NDAA accord

The U.S. House and Senate dropped this week a provision that Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan had inserted in the National Defense Authorization Act regarding the location of a divert airfield in the CNMI. Sablan’s provision would have allowed for a divert airfield to be placed at “any suitable location” in the Northern Marianas.

Both Sablan and the CNMI government would prefer divert activities to be placed on the island of Tinian, where already two-thirds of land is leased to the U.S. military. The U.S. Air Force, however, has expressed a preference for Saipan as the site for expenditure of some $29 million in divert activity funds. The Commonwealth Ports Authority passed a resolution in August essentially saying “no” to a divert airfield on Saipan.

Sablan’s provision was included in the House’s version of the bill, but the Senate bill reported no similar provision. It was left out in their agreement this week. However, Congress, in their explanatory statement, welcomed changes if deemed necessary by the U.S. Air Force.

They noted that the Air Force is currently working on an environmental impact study in their aim to achieve divert capability in the Western Pacific.

They said, “If necessary, upon issuing a Record of Decision, we would welcome a legislative proposal from the Secretary of the Air Force to modify the scope or location for the project as currently authorized” by law.

Sablan’s provision would have followed provisions last year that barred the expenditure of authorized funds until the Air Force reports to Congress alternatives and construction requirements for the divert airfield.

Last year’s NDAA authorized $29.3 million for divert projects on the island of Saipan, the top alternative for divert activities in the CNMI, according to a DEIS published earlier.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for its part, declared the DEIS “insufficient,” citing noise impacts on Saipan residents as severe. The agency felt this was inconsistent with directives requiring hearing loss risk to be properly estimated.

CPA echoed these concerns, among others, in its August resolution. Yesterday, CPA executive directory Maryann Lizama gave this statement on the recent NDAA development:

“CPA certainly appreciates Congress’ prerogative to appropriate funds as it sees fit. The CNMI airports are already emergency divert facilities and so we believe the Air Force will review its priorities in future siting efforts, knowing CPA’s interests and concerns.”

CPA could not comment further as all details would have to be assessed first.