GOVERNOR Ralph DLG Torres, Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, the Tinian Legislative Delegation, the Tinian Municipal Council, and the Commonwealth Ports Authority board held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Tinian Marina Beautification Project on Friday.
Funded by the Department of Defense through the U.S. Divert Airfield lease agreement with the CNMI government, the project includes the paving of the parking lot as well as the construction of a boat wash-down area, a permanent bathroom facility and two concrete pavilions.
In addition to the marina enhancement that will commence soon, Mayor Aldan said the Federal Emergency Management Agency will assist Tinian in replacing the marina floating docks that were damaged by Super Typhoon Yutu. This project will be managed by the CNMI Department of Lands and Natural Resources and is set to begin within the next couple of months.
Joining the governor and the mayor in the marina groundbreaking ceremony were CPA Chairwoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, Vice Chairman Roman Tudela, Secretary Thomas Villagomez, board members Barrie Toves, Pete Reyes, Joseph Diaz and Ramon Tebuteb, Senate President Jude Hofschneider, Tinian delegation chairman Sen. Frank Q. Cruz, Rep. Patrick San Nicolas, Tinian Municipal Council Chairman Joseph Santos, former CPA Seaport Manager Carlos Salas, CPA Executive Director Chris Tenorio, DLNR Secretary Anthony Benavente and FPA Pacific Corporation Vice President Don Power.
In his remarks, Mayor Aldan said “today’s groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the partnership that was forged between the Department of Defense, CPA, and our state and local governments.”
“We have come a long way from the agreement that was made through our founding fathers who granted us our U.S. citizenship in exchange for the two-thirds of land in North Field to now working towards strengthening our partnership for the betterment of our people and our islands,” he said.
“This is a demonstration of the Department of Defense’s contributions to our island that benefits our community. Contrary to what anyone says, the military has been very receptive to working around our community’s needs as well as addressing our concerns to protect our people’s welfare,” the mayor said.
He thanked King-Hinds and the rest of the CPA board members as well as the CPA staff for all their hard work in making this project possible for the people of Tinian.
For the community
King-Hinds said about a month ago, she and Tinian leadership were in Hawaii to meet with Adm. John Aquilino, commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, to discuss funding needed to fix Tinian’s breakwater and dock, a project that will likely cost half a billion dollars by the time it gets going.
“And based on our conversation during that meeting, there is a strong commitment and keen interest in working together to find a way to make this reality,” King-Hinds said.
“And that…is the goal of the Governor, the goal of your leadership, and CPA. Because after all, if we don’t fix the breakwater, the improvements that we are making today, will be washed away along with the millions of dollars already invested if we have another Typhoon Yutu. And if our docks and this marina wash away, not only will there be a severe disruption to commerce, transportation, and our economy, the steady supply of fuel needed for Divert Training and Exercise Activities will also be compromised. We know it’s not going to happen overnight, but this is our focus and the team is working hard to make it happen,” King-Hinds said.
More activities
In the next couple of years, the CPA chairwoman foresees more activities on the dock related to DoD activities. The dock, she said, is not only going to be very busy, “but we anticipate stricter access measures limiting the community’s access for recreational fishing. That’s why we are also advocating for a multifunctional seawall that not only serves as a wave barrier but one that allows our people to fish for sustenance and recreation. This is the vision, and you have a leadership that’s hard at work to make it happen.”
She added, “I want to end today by giving special recognition to the governor who has been our biggest supporter and advocate throughout past and ongoing discussions with the Department of Defense. These projects are possible because he is equally committed to making sure that Tinian finally gets the benefit of the bargain from a deal that was made many years ago. His working relationship with our hardworking leadership allows all of us to move these projects forward together. So thank you governor and thank you to our Tinian leadership for staying focused and committed to getting the job done. And last but definitely not least, I want to thank the unsung heroes throughout this process. To my fellow CPA board members, our management team, our legal team, and to every single person who works for CPA, thank you for all your hard work behind the scenes. This is the fruit of your labor and I thank you for your hard work.”
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, center, joins Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan, Commonwealth Ports Authority board and staff, and Tinian Legislative Delegation members in throwing ceremonial shovelfuls of sand to mark the beginning of the Tinian Marina Beautification Project at Tinian Port on Friday.
Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan delivers his remarks.
Commonwealth Ports Authority Chairwoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds delivers her remarks.
