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CPA prepares invitation to bid for Tinian airport expansion
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Posted on Dec 07 1999
The Commonwealth Ports Authority is in process of drafting the invitation to bid for the construction of a new runway in the West Tinian Airport in preparation for the approval of the plan and specification by the Federal Aviation Administration.
According to CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas, the FAA go signal is expected to be issued in January after a thorough review of the plan. The upgrade of West Tinian Airport is currently being carried out with total expansion project cost of $475,000.
This includes a redesigned departure area, a small-enclosed restaurant, a separate building for rental car concession and a covered walkway to connect it all.
The much-awaited West Tinian Airside Improvement Project involves the construction of a new 7,800 foot runway and the construction of two connecting taxiways and the relocation of 8th Avenue. Expected to be completed in 18 months if the project begins in February.
A total of $9.3 million in assistance for the construction of a new runway on Tinian has been granted by the Federal Aviation Administration for the project’s completion.
The amount brings to $12.8 million the total money now available for the project. Construction is expected to be completed in approximately 24 months. Mr. Salas said additional funds may become available soon to complete the entire project.
CPA management and consultants are now developing a draft bid for the project which may be released before the end of the year.
Tinian’s current 6,000 foot runway is only suited for regular inter-island travel from Saipan, Rota and Guam. While the FAA approved master plan called for an 8,600 foot runway that can accommodate larger aircraft, it has decided to reduce the length of the new runway to 7,800 ft. to cut down on cost but will still allow wide-body aircraft to land except a B747.
