Funding for cancelled ILS project redirected anew

The $3.5-million funding originally allocated for the construction of an instrument landing system at the Tinian airport was redirected again by the Tinian Legislative Delegation, delaying some critical port improvement projects on the island such as its dilapidated seawall.

Tinian Legislative Delegation chair Sen. Jude Hofschneider (R-Tinian) confirmed with Saipan Tribune Wednesday that the $3.5 million will now be used for the following projects:

– $1.5 million for the emergency harbor repair, which is ongoing;

– about $1 million is for the purchase of an equipment for the existing landfill; and

– $1 million for the improvement of the Tinian Health Center and some ports project that Hofschneider couldn’t immediately specify.

The ILS project has been on the drawing board since 2005, with an initial funding of $3.5 million obtained from the Office of Insular Affairs.

Because this was deemed not a priority, the delegation cancelled the project in July last year and diverted the funds to other airport and seaport projects on Tinian such as the emergency repair of the harbor, rehabilitation of the terminal, parking, and possibly the design and construction of a storage fuel tank.

The money could be used, according to the Commonwealth Ports Authority then, to procure a cargo conveyor, build stairs for deplaning passengers, and to satisfy other requirements of the Transportation Security Administration.

According to Hofschneider, the “redirection” of the ILS funds was approved by Tony Babauta, Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas of the Department of the Interior, during the official’s visit to the island in December. He praised Babauta’s support of the delegations intention to address the most critical projects on Tinian.

Hofschneider said that the procurement of equipment for the landfill, for one, is very important because it would enable the island to maintain the current dump site and comply with environmental regulations. The Tinian landfill has been the subject of administrative orders issued by both local and federal environmental agencies due to noncompliance with regulations.

The emergency harbor repair, which includes replacing its bollards and fenders, is ongoing and expected to be completed within the year.

Although the Tinian Health Center is now under the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., Hofschneider said it is still the responsibility of the delegation to help it improve its services.

Since the center was built in the early ’80s, there have been no repairs and improvements done to the building. The allocated funds, Hofschneider said, will address some electrical upgrade, facility improvements, and other needed repairs. He pointed out that the corporation’s current financial dilemma could delay the repairs if they wait for it to regain its footing.

When asked about specific ports projects they intend to accomplish with the ILS funding, Hofschneider could not immediately cite one, saying the delegation has to assess where to best put the remaining funds.

Tinian airport and seaport manager Joseph Mendiola described the new “reprogramming” as “very unfortunate” as funds are badly needed to address critical concerns at the seaport and airport.

Mendiola said, however, that if the delegation is firm in redirecting the ILS funds from seaport and airport projects, “I hope that there will be proper consultations among parties.”

He told Saipan Tribune that he was not aware of this new action by the delegation.

According to Mendiola, by taking away the monies earlier intended for airport and seaport development, this only shows that critical needs at the ports are of “less priority” to the delegation.

Mendiola, cited for one, the need to conduct an engineering assessment to determine the integrity of the seawall and the entire harbor.

“This is a very critical project because down the line, with big problems at the port, the Coast Guard may come and close us down,” he said.

The Tinian airport also faces some problems with its terminal that, if not addressed soon, will cost the Tinian government and its people more, he added.