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CPA board approves RFP to develop Echo Dock
Commonwealth Ports Authority Board Seaports Facilities Committee chair Pete P. Reyes, left, and CPA executive director Christopher S. Tenorio get some fresh air at the Port of Saipan during a break in the board’s regular meeting last week. Seen behind them is the Echo Dock in Lower Base. The CPA board has approved a request for proposals to develop Echo Dock, where a restaurant had operated before. (FERDIE DE L A TORRE)
The Commonwealth Ports Authority board of directors approved last week the issuance of a request for proposals to develop Echo Dock in Lower Base.
During the CPA’s board meeting at the Port of Saipan’s conference room, the board agreed to leave it up to the winning bidder to decide whether or not to sublease a portion of Echo Dock.
In a later interview, CPA board chair Kimberlyn King-Hinds said that, with the board’s go-signal for the RFP, a winning bidder will be selected to develop the dock, depending on whatever proposals they submit.
King-Hinds said it’s open to the scope of concession that includes making improvements at the dock and removing some of the eyesores that are currently there. That would include a moored dilapidated ship that’s just leaning on the side of the port.
King-Hinds said a former restaurant at the site could be opened for the community. The chair said the RFP will allow for the improvement of that specific area.
At the meeting, the directors deliberated whether or not to allow for the winning bidder to sublease certain parts of Echo Dock.
“There were some discussions whether or not the winner of the bid can sublease that specific portion. But it was the board’s decision to basically leave it up to the winning bidder to be able to make the best business decision,” she said.
Last August, CPA board’s Seaport Facilities Committee chair Pete Reyes told the board that it’s troubling to see zero business activity at the Echo Dock.
Reyes disclosed last week that two companies want to lease the property.
