As new runway construction begins Officials anticipate growth in Tinian economy

TINIAN – Emotions run high during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new airport runway here as government officials and business leaders project significant growth in the island’s slumbering economy once the project is completed in 18 months.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio said the construction, as well as the completion, of the new West Tinian International Airport runway is sure to bring numerous economic benefits that will bring the CNMI closer to its goal of sustainable development and self-reliance.

“Each time a ribbon is cut or the ground is broken, it means that we are moving forward; we’re making progress, we’re working to improve the lives of our people,” Mr. Tenorio said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the project.

He said the construction of the new airport runway signals a turning point in Tinian’s economic future. “With transportation in place, tourism will follow, and the people of Tinian and the rest of the Commonwealth will reap the benefits.”

Ports Authority Board Chair Roman S. Palacios said the new air transport facility will open the floodgates to tourism and economic development on Tinian, as he expressed confidence that the island’s casino gaming initiative is sure to enjoy a huge market.

Mr. Palacios disclosed foreign airline companies, upbeat that Chinese tourists are now willing to travel outside Asia and that a tropical gaming destination is right on target, have already expressed interest to provide direct service to Tinian.

“It may seem like a gamble but I believe this is the right place at the right time and we’re about to hit the jackpot. This improvement will help us handle increasing numbers of passengers until we build the international terminal,” he added.

Board Member Ray M. Cing, who sat with the CPA management to secure funds for the project, said Tinian is slowly drawing near to economic progress by paving the road for the entry of more aviation carriers, thereby, increasing the number of visitors to the island.

“Today is a celebration of the positive results that can be achieved through cooperation and teamwork. [W]e will continue to move forward in terms of tourism and the quality of service provided to residents and visitors alike,” Mr. Cing said.

Marketing efforts

Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said CPA’s job does not end with the construction and completion of the new Tinian runway as he called for combined efforts in enticing major airline companies to provide nonstop air transport services to the island.

Mr. Salas said discussions with airline executives will continue while the project is ongoing for their possible deployment of nonstop flights from major countries in Asia to Tinian, which is home to the only casino-gambling facility in the Northern Marianas.

He added that more airline companies that are yet to provide air transport services to the Northern Marianas may also come in once the project is completed in about 18 months.

Mr. Salas said CPA has joined hands with the Marianas Visitors Authority and the business sector in intensifying efforts to promote the unique value of the CNMI’s three major islands as prime tour destinations.

CPA Board of Directors on Friday sealed the contract with Telesource CNMI, Inc., which will build the new Tinian airport runway after submitting the lowest bid for the 8,600-linear-foot runway at $16.9 million.

The ports authority has made about $17 million in total funds available for the West Tinian International Airport improvement project, more than half of which were sourced out of FAA grants.

FAA has provided about $13.5 million in total financing for the West Tinian International Airport expansion project, while the balance has been pledged by members of the Tinian Legislative Delegation through the island’s Capital Improvement Project funds.

The project will be carried out according to the specifications stated under the Alternative Bid which calls for the construction of an 8,600-linear-foot runway, two 600 linear-foot taxiways, one 200 linear-foot partial taxiway; and the conversion of the existing 6,000 linear-foot runway to a parallel taxiway.

It will also include the construction of 2,296 linear-foot parallel taxiway connecting to Runway 26 and rerouting 4,400 linear-foot of 8th Avenue, which will form part of the proposed 7,600 linear-foot runway.