Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Leo Tudela, left, speaks as CPA Board Vice Chairman Antonio Cabrera listens during a meeting on Thursday.
COMMONWEALTH Ports Authority Board Vice Chairman Antonio Cabrera and Executive Director Leo Tudela thanked U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan and the Federal Aviation Administration for the close to $10 million in grant funding for the Benjamin Taisacan Manglona International Airport on Rota.
Kilili announced in his e-newsletter on Friday that CPA stands to receive $9,979,850 in Airport Improvement Program funds for the rehabilitation of the aircraft parking apron at the Rota airport.
The U.S. congressman congratulated CPA, which submitted a grant application to the FAA.
In separate interviews, Cabrera and Tudela said the funding is most needed for the improvement of the Rota airport.
Tudela thanked Kilili for all his support and assistance. CPA, he said, is very grateful for the congressman’s continued support.
Tudela said they are also grateful to the FAA, adding that he and his fellow CPA officials are happy to hear that the grant application was approved.
He said six months ago, CPA also received over $4 million for the repair of the Rota airport terminal’s roof.
Cabrera likewise thanked Kilili and the FAA, saying the funds will help CPA move ahead with the renovation of the aging airport on Rota.
He said CPA’s plan for the Rota airport includes the extension of the runway to 8,600 feet, the construction of a parallel taxiway, the expansion of a terminal building and the construction of a new fuel plant maintenance building.
Correction: An earlier version of this news story erroneously stated that the Rota airport runway will be extended by another 8,600 feet.
