By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

REPRESENTATIVE Edwin P. Aldan says the Tinian lawmakers’ approval of the installation of instrument landing system on their island has nothing to do with the military buildup on Guam as the project has been conceptualized and initiated prior to the planned relocation of the U.S. Marines.
“ILS has been pushed four years ago…prior to the disclosure of a military buildup on Guam,” Aldan, Covenant-Tinian, told Variety in an interview.
He said the ILS is for the benefit of private investors who will bring in tourists, particularly from China, to Tinian.
Three new casino investors have requested for the installation of an ILS for the aircraft that will transport passengers from China.
Aldan admitted that there may be some “politics” involved in the issue that caused a delay in the project’s implementation.
“The bottom-line here is the safety,” he said.
Aldan said the new casino investors — Marianas Resort Development Corp. and Bridge Investment Group – want to bring in charter flights from China.
He added that these companies have started marketing Tinian in China.
“Bridge Investment Group has its own travel agency in China and will start marketing the island so we’re expecting new flights coming in,” he said.
The ILS project has been put on hold after the Commonwealth Ports Authority said that it was not needed and not recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration.
He said the Tinian legislative delegation has appropriated over $11 million in federal capital improvement project funds to prepare the island’s airport for international flights.
The ILS project will require an additional $3.5 million, Aldan said.
“Because this will involve CPA property, final approval of the project will still come from CPA…and we’re hopeful that it will consider how important ILS is to the growth of Tinian and the CNMI as a whole,” he added.
In a statement issued a few days ago, Senate President Joseph M. Mendiola, Covenant-Tinian, said the island’s legislative delegation will pursue the ILS project regardless of the ports authority’s plans.
“Regardless of the position of the Commonwealth Ports Authority or any other CNMI government agencies, so long as Tinian investors, including Tinian Dynasty, Marianas Resort Development Corp. and Bridge Investment Group, continue to emphasize that the ILS is critical to commence the direct international charter flights to Tinian, we will work with them to make the ILS a reality,” Mendiola said.