THANK you very much for printing my letter regarding the need for an instrument landing system at the new Tinian International Airport, except that I was hoping for a different header: “Saipan Needs an ILS on Tinian.”
The point is, getting the Tinian International Airport fully operational is the fastest way to generate sufficient new revenues to overcome the economic crisis now facing the CNMI.
The Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino now has 412 rooms and wants to expand. Two new companies have broken ground for the construction of hotels, casinos and golf courses. No doubt, if the Federal Aviation Authority signs an agreement with the Commonwealth Ports Authority with a firm date for completion of the installation of an ILS at the Tinian International Airport, these investors will have the confidence to get aggressive with construction. The day that construction begins in earnest, a contagious, new economic boom will begin in the CNMI reminiscent of the birth of the commonwealth.
All those funds created by this boom will go to the CNMI general fund, not the Tinian municipal fund. The Tinian municipal fund will not recognize significant revenues until another casino opens its doors and some lucky person puts the first dollar on the table. The CNMI general fund will make money immediately.
An ILS on Tinian will provide labor fees, importation fees and the general increase in business revenues necessary to pay salaries and rebuild Saipan’s infrastructure.
The mayor of Tinian was correct to declare a state of emergency regarding the condition of Tinian harbor. If another major typhoon hits Tinian without some repairs, it will break through inner dock, preventing fuel tankers from docking and Tinian will be without power.
The governor has declared a CNMI economic state of emergency, which is fully justified. Streamlining the top heavy central government and cutting back on expenditures in general is important to resolving the problem. But equally important is creating new revenues. Prioritizing the development of the Tinian gaming industry is at least as important as cutting expenses.
This government is in an exceptional position to take full advantage of this revenue-generating opportunity. “Revenue-generating” sounds quite Republican to me, and we have a very Republican president and a Republican representative to Washington. I have little doubt Mr. Cohen, the CNMI’s best advocate, would support a concerted effort on the part of the CNMI central government — executive and legislative together — in cooperation with the federal government to fast-track the ILS for the CNMI on Tinian. One CNMI party controls the whole show. Let’s get the show on the road, and get on the road to recovery.

DON A. FARRELL
Marpo Heights, Tinian