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Rota, Tinian harbor feasibility studies moving forward
The feasibility studies for repairs and upgrades to the Tinian and Rota harbors are ongoing and moving forward, according to the Commonwealth Ports Authority.
CPA executive director MaryAnn Lizama, they are still working on the “data aspect” of the study which is being done with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
According to Lizama, the Army Corps of Engineers recently met with stakeholders on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota that have an interest in the navigation improvements on Tinian and Rota as well as with Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.
“The meeting provided a summary of the assessment process, inclusive of the schedule and cost sharing requirements,” Lizama said.
Lizama said the Army Corps of Engineers was able to get the concerns and input needed to get the studies going from the stakeholders.
A Charrette meeting was also conducted last month in Honolulu, Hawaii, which was attended by representatives from the Army Corps of Engineers headquarters and Hawaii Offices as well as two CPA personnel.
Charrette refers to an intensive planning session or meeting.
“Discussed in the Charrette meeting was the project overview, existing technical studies overview, economic data needs, iteration, and planning steps. CPA and the stakeholders were able to provide the necessary information for USAE to forge ahead with their studies,” Lizama said.
Last September, the administration of the late governor Eloy S. Inos signed an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers on the feasibility, design, and construction phases of the project. Congressional authorization is needed to get from the feasibility to the construction phases.
The harbor feasibility study is a three-year study with a total cost to the CNMI government at about $1 million
The feasibility study refers to the engineering and conceptual design for repairs, which will include cost estimates, economic analysis, environmental studies and analysis, and potential environmental impact statement.
The report will recommend to U.S. Congress whether the repairs and upgrades are worthy of federal investment or not.
