Four CPA projects worth $16.2M for Saipan port

The Commonwealth Ports Authority has identified four projects worth $16.2 million for the Port of Saipan, including the $6.2-million dock improvements project that will provide additional berthing space for vessels, yachts, ferry, a floating hotel, and accommodate ferry services.

According to the CPA’s “Strategic Planning for CNMI Air and Seaports, the Delta Dock Improvements Project will involve extending the Delta Dock to create more berthing spaces, the construction of a roll-on/roll-off ramp, and the construction of a boat ramp.

CPA said the Delta Dock project would extend the dock west of its current location into the channel, structural repairs to cavities seaside, installation of new sheet piles, installation of new fenders and bollards, and installation of a boat ramp for the CPA police.

CPA said a roll-on/roll- off ramp would accommodate ferry services between Saipan and Tinian, with the hope of expanding such a service to Rota and Guam.

CPA said the Delta Dock would also be expanded for bus and vehicular access for any ferries that can transport vehicles.

A new boat ramp will provide quick access for ports police boats and jet skis during emergencies and force protection for cruise ships and military vessels.

The project duration for the Delta Dock Improvements is three years and it is anticipated to start in 2020. CPA is the funding source.

The other big CPA project for the Port of Saipan is the $6-million improvement to the main access road at the port entrance.

The only entrance and exit into the main port is in dire need of repair; in rainy season, the area floods into the Customs Division parking lot, Mobil office and security guard house. Vehicles and cargo truck pass through about 6 to 8 inches of standing water.

“This will repave the entire road from the intersection across the Shell gas station to the three-way traffic light across MH1 and MH2,” CPA said.

The project entails improving the drainage system, adding a ponding basin, and repaving the road.

CPA underscored the need to repave the road as it is littered with potholes that causes safety concerns for cargoes entering and exiting the main port.

The project duration is two years and its funding source is CPA/CNMI Grants Office.

The two other projects are the $3-million north and south seaplane ramp-road paving and the $1-million upgrade and replacement of the Ports Police harbor patrol 27-foot boat.

On the seaplane ramp-road, CPA said it is partially paved and is a safety hazard to tourists that frequent the area, and customers receiving and delivering cargo to inter-island shipping companies.

CPA said the only designated dry dock area also needs improvement.

The project is anticipated in 2020, with CPA as the funding source.

CPA said it also needs to secure a new harbor patrol boat as the current one is over 10 years old and is inoperable.

CPA said the boat is a critical asset of the CPA in terms of emergency response capabilities.

The project duration is 12 months, with CPA as the funding source.

CPA executive director Christopher S. Tenorio said the Strategic Planning outlines what the staff and management have identified as priorities that CPA will pursue over the next four years.