Administration gives update on COTA building project

Construction of the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority’s Administrative Building & Maintenance Facility in Lower Base is in full swing. (OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR)

Construction of the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority’s Administrative Building & Maintenance Facility in Lower Base is in full swing since its groundbreaking and the Torres-Palacios administration has high hopes for its completion.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said this project will increase public transportation access and open up job opportunities for residents within this growing public service.

“Public transportation is one of the biggest factors in alleviating poverty throughout the United States, and our administration through the dedication and commitment of our COTA team have worked very hard to make this a real system here in the CNMI. As we expand services, we also want to expand job opportunities for residents who want to be a part of this exciting development. By truly creating a public transportation system that is comprehensive and reaches the most underserved and vulnerable areas in our community, we help people get to work, apply for jobs, and avail of important public services,” said Torres.

Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios said the project is one of several infrastructure projects in the pipeline these next two years. “COTA is doing their part to making it easier for folks to find a job, go to their medical appointments, or attend classes at the Northern Marianas College. With the progress being made on our public transportation and within our infrastructure planning efforts, we will soon see new facilities and improved roads to make life better. Our goal is to expand economic opportunity for all residents, and this is one of many projects to achieve this priority,” said Palacios.

The project is located in Lower Base, Saipan with an approximate area of 7,114 square meters. It includes construction of an administration and maintenance facility, paved parking and driveways, water storage tank, generator and its enclosure, ponding basins, perimeter fencing, and perimeter security lighting.

Alfreda P. Camacho, special assistant for Public Transportation, said the COTA administrative and maintenance facility consists of a concrete building (combined structure) with approximately 10,900 square feet of total floor space.

“The project, which technically started on July 29, 2020, will be completed on Oct. 2, 2021, for a total performance period of 430 calendar days. The project accomplishment to date is approximately 4% as of October. We are making significant progress, and we look forward to seeing this project completed next year so that we can expand public transportation services for our community,” said Camacho.

The project site is located on potentially compressible soils, which may result in significant settlements. To improve the site economically and effectively, preloading (surcharge) was recommended to consolidate it relatively quick under loading. Preloading of the building site began on Sept. 14, 2020, and is now on its fourth lift out of the anticipated five lifts. The rate of settlement will be monitored regularly until such time that preloading is complete as determined by the geotechnical engineer on the project.

The building finish floor elevation was established at 9.10 feet, which is 2.10 feet above the base flood elevation. The project contractor, RNV Construction, has started their mobilization on Aug. 7, 2020. Temporary facilities such as field offices, storage and fabrication sheds, access gates, parking, and temporary utilities have been completed.  The contractor has also completed the temporary construction fence along the project boundaries. Excavation of temporary ponds and swales that will contain the surface runoff within the project site was also done.

“This is one of those very important projects that positively impacts our Commonwealth, and that this administration would like to see completed in a timely manner. We anticipated normal construction challenges when we awarded this project especially at this time of the year, however, we are working very closely with the Department of Public Works and our construction manager GHD, Inc. to ensure the project will be completed on time and within budget,” said Camacho. (PR)