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FAA nod sought to extend runway
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Posted on Mar 01 1999
The Commonwealth Ports Authority has asked the Federal Aviation Administration’s permission to extend the existing runway by 1,700 feet using a $3.9 million local fund instead of developing a new runway.
In a letter to Howard Yoshioka, FAA airports district manager, the ports authority said the proposal from the Tinian Delegation would address the island-municipality’s immediate need to develop the gaming industry.
In a resolution it earlier issued, the Tinian Delegation noted that by extending the existing runway, West Tinian airport can immediately accommodate larger aircraft for passengers directly to and from various international airports.
“If passenger and air traffic warrant a larger runway at a later date, the Tinian airport will develop the new runway of 8,600 feet and convert the extended runway into a taxiway using the original plan already approved by CPA and FAA,” said Carlos H. Salas, executive director.
Salas asked Yoshioka the engineering work required or technical considerations CPA must take into account such as load bearing capacity of existing asphalt, 1,000 linear feet of runway safety zone requirement and modifications to the existing design work, order to meet FAA specifications and standards.
The Tinian Delegation had emphasized that development of Tinian Dynasty & Casino hinges on the capability of the existing West Tinian airport runway to accommodate bigger aircraft to bring in substantial numbers of people on direct flights to the island.
However, the Tinian lawmakers are concerned that any alteration to the master plan approved by FAA may result in the loss of grant. FAA had earlier approved a $3.8 million grant to develop the 8,600 foot runway and taxiway.
Due to the urgency of expanding the existing runway, the Tinian Delegation had approved the transfer of some $3.8 million from the Covenant 702 Capital Improvement Project funds originally allocated for the construction of Tinian Civic Center.
