New Tinian runway completed by 2002

Construction of West Tinian International Airport is scheduled to be completed by 2002 as major improvements and ground leveling operations continue.

Commonwealth Ports Authority spokesman Travis Coffman disclosed yesterday that heavy equipment vehicles were in close standby to move materials and excavated soil.

“The project is moving along very well. They have leveled off major portion of the Tinian airport and ongoing operation is mostly earth moving,” said Mr. Coffman.

Major construction items include new 8,600 ft long runway; new 3,500 ft long parallel taxiway, two new 750 ft long cross taxiway, relocation of 4,600 ft long-8th avenue, and the erection of 24,000 ft long chain link fence.

Telesource will clear and grub 350 acres of land, excavate 495,000 cubic yards of soil, subgrade another 670,000 cubic yards, subbase course of 47,000 tons and to aggregate 14,000 ton of base course.

In addition, the construction firm will also will asphalt surface course, put up electrical cable trench and top soil seeding of 65 acres.

Yesterday, CPA officials and Telesource management team conducted an ocular inspection of the West Tinian Airport project to determine the extent of improvement made during the last four months.

With the way things are going at the project site, CPA is confident that the multi-million airport project will be completed within the projected time frame.

CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said the runway construction might be even completed ahead of the published schedule.

“Based on the current construction activities there, we are optimistic that the runway will be in operation right on time,” said the executive director.

CPA is also making sure that aircraft activities at the West Tinian International Airport will not be disrupted even when construction of the new runway is ongoing.

The air transport facility on the island will remain in operation from the time construction of the new 8,600-linear-foot runway begins up until it is completed within approximately 18 months, according to Mr. Salas.

CPA managed to solicit close to $23 million for the West Tinian International Airport project, which paved the road for the construction of a new, longer runway for the island’s air transport facility.

Of the amount, close to $13 million were FAA allocations while the Tinian Legislative Delegation appropriated $3.4 million. Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday signed a new law earmarking $6.5 million for the project.

“The appropriations out of Public Law 12-188 actually completes the funding for the completion of the new Tinian airport runway. Total project cost covers architecture and design, management and actual construction,” said Mr. Salas.

CPA Board of Directors sealed the contract with Telesource CNMI, Inc., which is building the new Tinian airport runway after submitting the lowest bid for the 8,600-linear-foot runway at $16.9 million. (EGA)