Previous Story
US gives back Tinian land to CNMI
|
Posted on Sep 23 1999
The U.S. Navy turns over today to the CNMI government more than 5.2-million square meters of land on Tinian which will be used for the expansion of its airport.
A brief turnover ceremony will be held on Tinian in the presence of Lt. Gov. Jesus R. Sablan and Commonwealth Ports Authority officials.
The Division of Public Lands earlier approved a conditional conveyance of certain U.S. military lands to the ports authority for the expansion of West Tinian Airport.
Under the turnover agreement, CPA would allow the US military to use the airport and give it landing rights.
CPA is finalizing the bid documents for Tinian’s new runway project. An invitation to bid will be published in December.
The new runway would measure about 7,800 linear feet long, crossover taxiways and the relocation of 8th Avenue.
The project will receive a grant of $9.3 million from the Federal Aviation Administration. This brings to $12.8 million the total amount of money available for the project.
CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said additional funding may be available soon.
Construction of the airport is expected to be completed in about 24 months.
The 7,800 linear ft. length of the runway will still allow wide-body aircraft to use Tinian airport. But a B747 may not fit through.
Originally, the plan was to build an 8,600 linear ft. runway but the length was reduced to cut down on cost.
The Tinian Legislative Delegation had emphasized that development of Tinian Dynasty & Casino depends on the capability of the existing West Tinian Airport to accommodate bigger aircraft and bring in a substantial number of visitors through direct flights to the island.
