CPA scrambles for cash to improve airport

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is studying various financing scheme to raise the additional $9 to $11 million needed to carry out the expansion of West Tinian Airport, according to Carlos H. Salas, executive director.

With the $4 million Capital Improvement Fund set aside by the Tinian Legislative Delegation and the $4.6 million grant of the Federal Aviation Administration, Salas said the ports authority would have to look for the best financing offer to complete the project.

The Tinian Delegation had emphasized that development of the casino industry on the island 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.

Due to the urgency of expanding the existing runway, the Tinian Delegation had approved the transfer of some almost $4 million from the Covenant 702 Capital Improvement Project funds originally allocated for the construction of Tinian Civic Center.

The Tinian Delegation earlier issued a resolution seeking an amendment to the FAA approved plan because the local leaders believe that by extending the existing runway, the airport would be able to immediately accommodate larger aircraft for passengers directly to and from various destinations.

But FAA had rejected the proposal claiming that extending the existing runway will encroach on Broadway Avenue and would not be able to meet the 1,000 ft safety area requirement, said Salas.

Furthermore, since the Tinian Delegation’s proposal is not included in the original master plan for Tinian airport, the ports authority would be required to make an expensive environmental impact study which would take a year.

Considering all these constraints, FAA advised the ports authority to stick to the original plan and reduce the runway to 7,600 ft. to cut down on the cost which would only accommodate a B727.

“Carrying out the original plan is more viable and an extension would be made if the traffic improves,” said Salas.

Currently, the ports authority is improving the passenger and baggage areas as well as the holdroom area of the airport.

Expansion of the airport runway from 6,500 feet to 8,500 feet to accommodate bigger aircraft will cost $20.2 million while the terminal building and jetway will cost $24 million.