NMI airports seek ADA compliance

The Commonwealth Ports Authority has finalized the bid package for all three CNMI airports’ passenger lift device, which would assist passengers with disabilities and bring the airports into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

CPA executive director Carlos H. Salas said the Federal Aviation Administration has already approved the passenger lift device project for the Saipan International Airport, the West Tinian International Airport, and the Rota Airport.

“The CPA received the FAA’s concurrence to combine all three airports in the procurement of the lift device under one contract but each airport has its own respective Airport Improvement Project numbers,” Salas said.

He explained that the installation of the lift device at all CNMI airports is part of the ports authority’s efforts to ensure that these facilities would cater to the needs of all traveling markets, particularly those with disabilities.

Salas said this is also in compliance with the ADA, which requires public facilities to be user-friendly, especially to citizens with disabilities.

The lift device is an elevator that would be located at the ramps of departure areas of all CNMI airports. It would take passengers with wheelchairs to the immigration area without fuss.

The device is part of the multi-million airport improvement projects that the CPA is currently implementing and is scheduled to be completed within the year.

The CPA is also renovating the departure building of the Saipan International Airport, improving the terminal roof, replacing the perimeter fence, installing a runway safety area, rehabilitating the runway, and building the ARFF project—all on Saipan.

At the West Tinian International Airport, the contractor for the Tinian Airside Improvements is still working on the punch list items and the remaining items covered under the contract for the project’s closure. Also, the ports authority is working on the terminal area of the Tinian airport.

For Rota Airport, CPA said that it has submitted to the FAA the consultant’s response to the draft benefit cost analysis of the airport. Also, CPA said that FAA has completed the installation of Precision Approach Path Indicator and Runway End Indicator Lights, based on the site assessments made last year.