‘$14M in untapped CIP funds can be used for ILS’

Tinian nearly has $14 million in untapped Capital Improvement Project funds that could readily be used to complete an instrument landing system for the island, according to Sen. Joseph Mendiola.

Of the amount, $7 million is earmarked for airport projects, $3.9 million for landfill projects, and $1.2 million for school projects, the Tinian Legislative Delegation chairman said.

“As of 2008, there’s about $14 million in CIP money for Tinian projects. We would like to see which among these fund balances can be used for the ILS, which needs additional funding in order to push through,” Mendiola said.

The ILS project, which has been in the works since 2006, has been suspended due to a budget shortfall of $2 million.

Mendiola said the delegation will explore all avenues to identify funding for the ILS, which many believe is key to the development of the island’s tourism industry.

“Normally, a specific CIP project is given a couple of years to complete and the fund goes back to the CIP account if the project does not push through. In a check with the CIP, there may be some areas in the fund balances that we can ask … to complete our ILS,” he said.

Mendiola met with CIP administrator Vicky Villagomez and CPA officials last Monday to finalize a decision on the ILS—whether to scrap the project or merely suspend it. The delegation had initially decided to drop the project due to the exclusion of the China market from the Guam-CNMI visa waiver program. The changed their minds after Monday’s meeting.

Mendiola said that once certain fund balances are identified, the delegation would ask the Office of Insular Affairs to reprogram it for the ILS.

He said OIA representatives will be on island this month to check on the CNMI’s various CIP projects.

“We will meet with them and submit our reprogramming request [as soon as we identify the funds]…” Mendiola added.

The initial estimate for the project was $4 million in 2006. Only $3.5 million was approved by OIA. After three years, the projected cost increased to $5.5 million based on the scope of work done by the Commonwealth Ports Authority.

An additional $20,000 to $80,000 is needed annually to maintain the ILS.

In admitting the need to also address the equipment needs at the new Tinian terminal facility, Mendiola said that they will ask the “transfer” of some airport project CIP funds to the procurement of amenities such as air-conditioning units and electrical system.

The new terminal, funded by Federal Aviation Administration, has never been used since its completion two years ago due to lack of equipment.

The existing old terminal building still serves as the island’s departure and arrival site.

“Our goal is to have the Tinian International Airport complete with amenities and equipment such as ILS,” Mendiola said, adding that they are optimistic on the “promise” of the casino industry and military buildup in Guam.