Agency Says Ports Authority Must Begin Moving Forward On Completing The Project

The FAA has notified the Commonwealth Ports Authority of Saipan that it may recall funding for a runway rehabilitation project if there is not significant progress at the airport soon.

CPA Executive Director Edward Deleon Guerrero notified the Ports Authority board that FAA inspectors who had recently visited Saipan had expressed concern about the "standby" status of the project. He said the inspectors said the agency would pull funds for a temporary runway rehabilitation if the project does not move forward as scheduled.

The Saipan Tribune reports that the FAA has provided $4 million for construction on a temporary airport runway. While much of the work has been completed, it must still be certified by the FAA before it can be used. Certification is being held up by failure of the CPA to conduct a land survey of the new runway, and development of a flight procedure agreement among those who would use it. The FAA has mandated that the CPA complete those two items ASAP to ensure continuity of the project. Deleon Guerrero said a meeting has been set among airport stakeholders February 2nd to work on the flight procedure agreement.

The temporary runway is needed so that the airport's main runway can be closed for major repairs. That project is expected to cost about $13 million.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.cpa.gov.mp