Saipan Tribune

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Friday, October 26, 2012

CPA SAYS MAJOR PROJECTS ON TRACK

Runway rehab 65 pct. complete; new ARFF facility underway

Two major projects of the Commonwealth Ports Authority are on track with their target completion dates, according to executive director Edward Deleon Guerrero yesterday.

The airport runway rehabilitation at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport and the construction of a state-of-the-art ARFF facility on Saipan are both fully funded by the Federal Aviation Administration through its airport improvement program.

Although the runway rehabilitation had some setbacks in the initial stages of the project, Deleon Guerrero said the undertaking is now about 65 percent complete. He said the contractor is working with the construction manager and CPA to get things done in a timely manner.

CPA targets to complete the project in May 2013. Guam Pacific Power Corp. Inc. is the contractor for the project.

As of July, the project's cost already totaled $32 million. Work began in 2009 but construction was interrupted in March this year and just resumed in August due to some concerns uncovered during construction. The main runway is already over 25 years old.

For the ARFF training facility improvement, Deleon Guerrero said the project is now in the design phase. CPA expects to issue the final notice to proceed for site work and demolition by middle to late next month. He said construction is projected for completion by January 2014.

Saipan Tribune learned that this project includes, among other things, installation of a new simulated aircraft fire trainer, rehabilitation of the existing burn pit, construction of a new control tower and burn building, and improvements to all associated underground utilities, including piping, pumps, tanks, and electrical work.

The project cost is approximately $15 million, all funded by FAA.

Water problem at airport

Deleon Guerrero, in a statement yesterday, also explained the recent water outage at the Saipan airport.

He said CPA provided an update to all airport tenants notifying them of the resolution of the water shortage, which required CPA to place portable restrooms around the airport.

“With the 40-year-old facility, many of the pipes and valves were leaking, which affected the airport's water supply. CPA and [the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.] worked diligently to seek out the leaks and took immediate corrective action. CPA also has worked out an arrangement with CUC to provide a secondary water supply during times when there are problems with the designated water well for the airport. CPA thanked all the tenants for their understanding, patience, and cooperation during that unfortunate period,” said Deleon Guerrero.