CPA on target in Tinian airport construction

Construction of the new runway for the West Tinian International Airport has been ongoing and the Commonwealth Ports Authority is confident the project will be completed within 18 months as scheduled.

Executive Director Carlos H. Salas, in an interview, even disclosed the possibility that the runway construction will be completed ahead of the published schedule, citing recent meetings with contractor Telesource, CNMI.

Mr. Salas said relocation of the 8th Avenue has already started and that clearing of the Broadway Avenue is also ongoing. “Based on the current construction activities there, we are optimistic that the runway will be in operation right on time.”

He added that although the permit given by the Division of Environmental Quality has conditions attached to it, both CPA and the contractor are exerting extra efforts to make sure that they comply with the regulations.

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.

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.

Government officials and business leaders have projected significant growth of the island’s slumbering economy once the Tinian airport project is completed in at least 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.

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 is upbeat 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.

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.