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Updates on Tinian capital improvement projects
Hofschneider
“In order to ensure timely implementation of the projects, we have been meeting regularly with staff of the Office of Capital Improvement and the leadership of Tinian and Aguiguan. I am happy to provide an update on the progress of the Capital Improvement Projects on the island of Tinian,” stated Hofschneider. “Implementation of Tinian’s capital improvement projects are important because they address the infrastructure needs of the community, and they also provide a stimulus to the local economy in the buying of supplies and the hiring of local labor.”
Specifically, the administration provided updates on the following projects:
1. Tinian International Airport improvements: Portions of the airport have been underutilized due to structural problems and incomplete improvements. A contract for the completion of construction for the new departure terminal and improvements to the existing arrival terminal building will be executed this month. This will include structural repairs, finishing, furniture, and equipment. The bids are currently being reviewed by the project manager and a request has already been made for the confirmation of bids. These repairs will make all elements of the airport fully functional and facilitate the expansion of air service for the island of Tinian.
2. Tinian Harbor analysis and repairs: Review of the proposals for the assessment of the finger piers’ current condition, and the necessary surveys and field work to determine the viability of the finger piers, is ongoing. Selection and award will occur sometime in June/July 2014. The ATP was issued on June 4, 2014.
3. Tinian Health Center: Architectural and engineering analysis of the Tinian Health Center has been completed. This analysis examined the current layout of the Health Center and changes that should be made to accommodate long-term needs.
Immediate repairs to the roofing system, ADA compliance in at least one bathroom, and other improvements will be addressed. Its construction is currently ongoing.
4. Tinian Health Center equipment: There is an ongoing purchase contract to improve health care services on Tinian with an ultrasound unit, a PACs system, and an autoclave that will allow the health center to properly dispose of biohazard waste. The anticipated date of delivery for this equipment is the end of June 2014.
5. New Tinian Landfill: Moving forward to resolve the longstanding issue of construction of a new landfill, the engineering design of the new landfill is 100 percent complete. This project is only awaiting an approved location, as the designated site in Atgidon, Tinian, is part of the current CJMT EIS.
6. Renovation of existing Tinian dumpsite: To improve the existing dumpsite until a new landfill is constructed and the current one is closed, the Commonwealth is restructuring the dumpsite’s design and operations. These improvements will make it easier for residents to dispose trash, clean up the site, eliminate fires, and control pests. Engineering design is in progress and awaiting 60 percent submittals.
7. New landfill equipment: In order for the existing Tinian landfill to comply with EPA requirements, a purchase of a new bulldozer, front end loader, excavator, and dump truck was completed and should be delivered by November 2014. This new equipment will aid in efforts to improve operations and allow Public Works personnel to reshape the existing site to control odors, eliminate litter, and control rodents.
8. Tinian solid waste transfer station: In order to provide a simpler method of trash disposal, a solid waste transfer station will be constructed across the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. power plant. This facility will provide dumpsters for collection of trash, sorting bins for separation of recyclables, and collection areas for green waste and appliances. Engineering design is currently in progress with a 60 percent design submittal expected in July 2014.
9. Tinian 0.5-million gallon reservoir: The CNMI just secured 2014 funding for the construction of a water reservoir in Marpo Heights, Tinian, and will be working with the Water Task Force to advance the project.
Hofschneider again expressed thanks to the leadership of Tinian and Aguiguan, the staff, and the Capital Improvement Office and its staff for their efforts in this matter. (Office of the Governor)
