CPA Chairwoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, who recommended the extension, said, “I think it is the right thing to do due to the fact that no activities are going on at the airport.”
CPA Resolution 2020-006, which approved the 50% discount, took effect on July 1, and will expire on Dec. 31. The resolution also authorizes CPA Executive Director Christopher Tenorio to extend the discount to reflect any changed circumstance related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Chris Tenorio, left, listens as CPA Board Chairwoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds speaks during a CPA financial affairs committee meeting in the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting classroom on Friday. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
The CPA board approved the resolution due to “a dramatic reduction in visitor arrivals, and these declines have led to a drastic and immediate decline in airport revenues.”
CPA, the resolution stated, “recognizes that the operation of international air carriers is crucial to the economic sustainability of CPA and the entire CNMI and its tourism-based economy.”
CPA said it “must temporarily discount fees to ensure that air services will continue to be provided to the public, that CPA remains solvent, and that CPA can continue the safe operation of its airports.”
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, tourism, the only industry on the islands, has been shut down since March.
