Previous Story
Kilili: CPA to get $2.6M in federal funds for Tinian, Saipan airports
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) announced yesterday that the Commonwealth Ports Authority is receiving federal funding of $2,641,956 for airport improvements on Tinian and Saipan. Both the $1,951,956 grant for Tinian and the $690,000 grant for Saipan will be used to improve firefighting and rescue capabilities.
“As a tourism-based economy, the Marianas must have first-class airports that visitors can rely on for comfort and safety,” Sablan said. “Today’s investment of federal funds is one way to ensure that tourists coming to our islands are well-protected in the event of any accident at the Tinian or Saipan airports.”
The U.S. House of Representatives was expected yesterday to begin considering a consolidated appropriations bill for fiscal year 2018 that includes the Federal Aviation Administration, which is responsible for disbursing these airport grants.
The almost $2 million award for Tinian will fund the construction phase of improvements to the existing aircraft rescue and firefighting building at the airport. One goal is to improve the ARFF vehicle water refill system so that the Tinian airport meets federal safety standards.
At the Francisco C. Ada- Saipan International Airport, the grant of $690,000 will pay for a new aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle, also, to meet safety requirements set out by the federal government. (PR)
