$7-M allocated for Tinian airport, other CIPs

Nearly $7 million were set aside yesterday by the government to finance various capital improvement projects on the islands, including additional funding for the West Tinian International Airport expansion.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio signed into law three appropriation bills during a brief ceremony witnessed by members of the Legislature at his Capitol Hill office.

One of the new laws earmarked $6.51 million for the runway expansion project on Tinian after its initial estimated budget of $17 million fell short of the actual costs.

Half of the $6.51 million will come from the proceeds of the forthcoming $60 million bonds that the CNMI government will float to carry out its CIP program, while another half will be sourced from the federal construction grants under the Covenant Section 702 funding.

Sponsored by Tinian Rep. Norman S. Palacios, lawmakers and officials from the island municipality had lobbied for the funding to push the much-delayed project which they said is crucial in developing their economy.

In approving the appropriation, the governor acknowledged its significance in boosting the economy and the support thrown by lawmakers, but cautioned that money will only be released once the bond float is approved.

“[P]lease note that although part of the funding has already been appropriated, the project cannot start until such time that the $60 million bonds are actually issued and the proceeds received by the bond trustee,” Mr. Tenorio said in signing the law.

The Commonwealth Ports Authority has selected Telesource to construct the project which broke ground last month with the governor and other officials as guests.

CPA opened the bidding for the Tinian airport improvement last April, which will include the construction of a new runway designed to accommodate larger aircraft.

So far, about $17 million have been made available for the project, almost half of which were sourced out of the Federal Aviation Administration grants. CPA officials estimate the total costs to reach around $20 million.

FAA has allocated about $9.387 million for the construction of the new runway and other airport improvements. The CNMI government, on the other hand, has pitched in $3.4 million in CIP funds for the airport transport facility.

Once the project is completed, Tinian leaders hope to entice international airlines to service direct flights to the island from key Asian cities which will help its thriving casino and other tourism businesses.

Meanwhile, the governor also approved appropriation of $100,000 for the construction of basketball courts for As Matuis and San Roque, which had been pushed by Precinct 4 lawmakers led by Rep. Dino M. Jones.

Mr. Tenorio likewise reprogrammed some funds from earlier projects to install waterline in Precinct 1 which will service residents of Koblerville, As Gonno, Obyan and Katmelo.