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Tinian breaks ground on observation deck
From left, Sen. Francisco Q. Cruz; Juan O. Barcinas, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services deputy commissioner and former Tinian MVA board member; Sen. Francisco M. Borja; Rep. Edwin P. Aldan; councilor Edwin M. Hofschneider; Reynaldo M. Cing, Tinian Department of Public Lands director; Mayor Joey P. San Nicolas; Tatiana Babauta, Marianas Visitors Authority product development manager; Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider; Fr. Rey Rosal; and Donald J. Power, vice president of FPA Pacific Corp. (Contributed Photo)
The Tinian Mayor’s Office held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Tinian Lookout Observation Deck on Friday, May 18, 2018.
The event took place at the project site, the Tinian Lookout, where visitors can enjoy a view of Sasanhalom Bay, which is composed of Kammer, Taga and Tachogna beaches and San Jose Village.
With the construction of the observation deck, the Tinian leadership seeks to enhance the already-stunning scenic views from the Tinian Lookout. The structure will have two tiers that slightly extend westward over the existing slope: the first tier is accessible to persons with disabilities and will lie slightly aboveground level; the second tier will extend further out from the slope and bring visitors to the tree line, giving them a panoramic view of both Tinian and Aguiguan.
The concept of an observation deck was conceived by Tinian Mayor Joey Patrick San Nicolas. Inspired by the recent improvements at Kalabera Cave, San Nicolas presented his idea to the Marianas Visitors Authority board in 2016 to begin a new tourism enhancement project on Tinian. Upon MVA’s approval, the Tinian Mayor’s Office was granted $104,000 to build the deck.
“This project is an effort to build Tinian as a tourist destination upon its foundations of natural island beauty…[thank you] to our MVA board members and staff for recognizing Tinian’s unique potential,” said San Nicolas in his remarks.
Delegation chair Sen. Jude U. Hofschneider (R-Tinian) also commended MVA’s partnership as Tinian leader develops a new vision for Tinian: “The Tinian Lookout Observation Deck is yet another key example of team-oriented coordination which initiates special projects that will promote Tinian’s beauty and tranquility. Tinian is always working towards self-enhancement, and because of recent developments in the CNMI, the leadership is looking into ‘rebranding’ Tinian as a destination. Again, this will require continued partnership with MVA and all others to make this happen.”
The contract to build the Tinian Lookout Observation Deck was awarded to FPA Pacific Corp. in 2017. The total project cost is $188,484, of which $104,000 will be funded by Tourism Enhancement Funds. The remainder of the project cost will be funded by Tinian’s CDA bond interest funds. Project completion is expected to take place in the first half of 2019. (PR)
