$10M FAA grant for CNMI airports OK’d

Airport facilities in the CNMI stand to benefit from a series of significant facelifts this financial year 2001 through fresh federal dollars that have been set aside for the improvement of the local aviation sector.

The Commonwealth Ports Authority recently received pledge of some $10 million in total grants from the Federal Aviation Administration to be devoted in airport enhancement projects on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

In prioritizing the series of projects set for the year, CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said the agency’s imminent thrust is to address safety-related concerns at the airports.

Some of the improvements lined up include fencing the airports, runway improvements, the purchase of fire trucks and an airport aircraft fire fighting facility, and the procurement of navigational equipment, among others.

“FAA has been very supportive of CPA projects,” said Mr. Salas, in an interview with reporters during yesterday’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Management Pre-conference held at the Hyatt Regency.

A large group of airports and airlines officials showed up for the pre-conference seminar that highlighted on the FAR Part 139 ARFF requirements, introduction of Airport Emergency Plans, hazardous materials and its management, and fire fighting stress testing, facilitated by off-island experts.

According to Mr. Salas, CPA hopes to accomplish many goals with the ongoing Pacific Aviation Directors’ Workshop from Feb. 6 to 9.

The regional aviation conference has drawn participants from Guam, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Hawaii, and the FAA that has been slated with the theme: “Building Partnerships for Aviation Safety.”

The directors’ seminar will touch on aviation topics to include timely and relevant aviation issues such as airport facility and equipment maintenance, runway incursions, emergency exercises, flight standards, and others.

An onsite visit to the island of Tinian will be conducted Tomorrow where participants will be given the opportunity to witness developments to the West Tinian Airport runway expansion project, funded in part by FAA.

Airports officials are scheduled today to discuss more deeply on FAA-funded projects specifically planned for the current year. (MM)