MVA asked to vacate airport space By ALDWIN R. FAJARDO

The Commonwealth Ports Authority is asking the government’s tourism agency to vacate the space it currently occupies at the Saipan International Airport to pave the way for the relocation of CPA’s operations division.

Ports Authority Executive Director Carlos H. Salas said the use of the Saipan airport building space has been extended by CPA to Marianas Visitors Authority’s Field Operations Division.

“[However] our operational needs have become such that we must kindly ask that the MVA find a new home for its Field Operations Division,” said Mr. Salas in a letter to MVA Managing Director Perry J. Tenorio.

According to Mr. Salas, the condition of the building which presently houses CPA’s operations division has extremely deteriorated, posing potential hazards to the safety of its employees, thus the need to relocate the department.

“The condition of the current CPA operations division building has deteriorated to a point where it has become decidedly unsafe and a potential hazard to our employees. Ultimately, the building will be condemned and later removed which will require the relocation of our entire operations division,” he pointed out.

Mr. Salas said CPA is planning to build a new operations facility but stressed that current financial difficulties are getting in the way. “Our financial situation dictates a more conservative solution for the interim.”

“After thoroughly exploring our available options, we have come to the unmistakable conclusion that we need the building space currently occupied by MVA. As the operations division plays a critical role in aviation, we would like to complete the relocation as soon as possible,” he added.

Although it is starting to see signs of financial recovery with visitors disembarking at the Saipan International Airport expected to increase in 10 years, arrival figures are projected to continue to be at lower levels than what the Northern Marianas experienced during the past decade.

A report submitted to CPA disclosed that total enplanement at the Saipan International Airport are expected to jump at an annual compounded rate of 4.5 percent in 10 years.

This is expected to result to a slight increase in total enplanement at the international airport until 2007. However, the expected moderate increase in total enplanement at the Saipan airport alone will not provide sufficient funds to adequately service CPA’s bond payments.