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Saipan-Tinian bridge plan revived
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Posted on Dec 20 2000
Senators are reviving a much sought-after plan to construct a hanging bridge between Saipan and Tinian that will link the two islands and improve transportation.
But they want to add another project in their proposal — this time to build another bridge to connect Talafofo Falls and Bird Island on Saipan.
In a resolution adopted at yesterday’s session, the upper house appealed to the U.S. Department of Transportation for $1.5 million to fund feasibility studies for the construction of the two bridges.
These projects will help enhance transportation mode in the CNMI and stir business activities on the two islands as well as in the two popular Saipan tourist sites, according to the measure sponsored by Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano of Tinian.
The resolution also underscored its potential impact on uniting families in the Commonwealth since this would mean cheaper transportation costs in visiting the two islands.
It noted even medical evacuation costs would go down since patients from Tinian could be brought to Saipan for hospitalization for much less than airlifting them.
Simply, these proposed bridges could facilitate “more social, educational and medical programs,” the senators pointed out. They would streamline tourist activities and promote greater cooperation in tapping tourists to visit the two islands, they added.
Senate Joint Resolution 12-3 now heads to the House of Representatives for action.
The plan to link Saipan and Tinian through a hanging bridge has long been under consideration by the CNMI government, but no firm proposal has yet been made.
In 1998, a proposal presented to the Commonwealth Ports Authority indicated the project could cost more than $100 million. (BS)
