THANK you so much for the news about the contract for the Divert Facility on Tinian being awarded to Black Construction. That is good news for Tinian, especially because Black Construction is partnered with FPA, Tinian’s supplier of ready mix cement.
It is unfortunate that with all the money and personnel in the governor’s “military liaison office” on Saipan, we hear nothing about military development on Tinian until we get it from Marianas Variety.
Now that the contract has been issued, we can expect more activity on Tinian, the only site of military development in the Northern Marianas. The new Bar-K restaurant, car dealership, and retail outlet are only the beginning. YCO Hardware is hard a work opening their new outlet on Tinian. Who knows what is next.
Perhaps one of your several experienced journalists could interview the individual at the Commonwealth Ports Authority who has been given the huge responsibility of overseeing the $21 million that was given to them for the lease on the land on which the Divert Facility will be constructed:
What bank is it in?
How much interest has been earned on that large chunk of change?
What is the current balance in the account?
If the balance is less than $21 million, what was the expenditure used for?
What is their plan for the expenditure of the rest?
When will the road through West Field from Broadway to 8th Avenue be closed?
Is HPO prepared to oversee the project?
Will there be regular public hearings by CPA to keep the residents of Tinian up to speed on project developments?
For the people of Tinian, this is the critical construction project that will rebuild our island’s economy and make Tinian a contributor to the CNMI General Fund again. Perhaps someone will buy the Dynasty Hotel and remodel it for construction laborers. With direct flights to Tinian, new hotel construction can begin again, with or without a casino. Thank you Variety for keeping us well informed.
DON A. FARRELL
Marpo Heights, Tinian
