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Tinian lawmakers pledge $3.5M for airport project
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Posted on Jan 28 1999
The Tinian Legislative Delegation yesterday pledged some $3.5 million funding to expand the existing runway at the West Tinian Airport in a move to save the financially troubled Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino.
In a meeting with the Commonwealth Ports Authority officials, the Tinian Delegation noted that the Federal Aviation Administration’s funding did not cover the airport’s full expansion program which is estimated to cost $24 million.
Tinian Dynasty has blamed the failure of the CNMI government to carry out its commitment to expand the West Tinian Airport runway as the main stumbling block in increasing visitor arrivals on the island.
Likewise, the Tinian legislators believe that the development of casino industry will depend on the accessibility of the island-municipality of Tinian to other Asian destinations. With an expanded runway, wide-body aircraft can be accommodated, making it cost-effective for airlines to provide scheduled service.
In September 1998, FAA approved a $3.9 million grant towards the partial construction of a new $8,600-foot runway.
While the Tinian lawmakers welcomed the federal assistance, the ports authority is still $20 million short to complete the airside improvements which include the construction of a connecting taxiway, a new apron and the conversion of the existing runway. Completion of the airside improvement alone may take up to three years.
Faced with this problem, CPA board member Ray Cing from Tinian instead proposed to modify the plan by extending the existing runway before building a new one.
However, FAA has indicated that it will not allow the use of money to pay for a runway extension.
In pushing for his alternative proposal which could result in a 7,800-foot runway in just one-year , Cing raised the possibility of tapping the Tinian local CIP funds.
To allow for a revision of the West Tinian airside improvement plan, the ports authority requested the Tinian Delegation to submit an official position which would specify guaranteed funding on the project.
