Local leaders, project partners, and community members gathered at Carolinas Heights, Tinian, to celebrate the groundbreaking of the much-anticipated Carolinas Heights waterline replacement project. In photo are Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan, Chairman Joseph Santos of the Tinian Municipal Council, Vice Chairwoman Ana Marie San Nicolas, Councilman Estevan Cabrera, CUC Executive Director Kevin Watson, and Michael Sheu of Hong Ye Construction, along with members of CUC and Tinian Mayor’s Office staff.
CUC photo
TINIAN (CUC) — The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation, in collaboration with the Tinian Mayor’s Office and leadership, celebrated the groundbreaking of the much-anticipated Carolinas Heights waterline replacement project on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, in Carolinas Heights, Tinian. This vital infrastructure project aims to improve the island’s water system, ensuring residents receive safe, reliable, and sustainable water service.
In his opening remarks, Tinian Mayor Edwin Aldan emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “This project represents our continued commitment to enhancing Tinian’s infrastructure and ensuring that our residents receive safe, reliable, and sustainable access to water. None of these would be possible without the dedicated efforts of many individuals and agencies involved.” He extended his appreciation to the stakeholders involved, including CUC, Honge Ye Construction, the Capital Improvement Project team, and the U.S. Department of the Interior-Office of Insular Affairs.
CUC Executive Director Kevin Watson highlighted the technical aspects of the project and the collaborative efforts that made it possible. “This project, financed primarily through the U.S. DOI-OIA with $542,525.00, and an additional $43,937.02 from CUC, will replace aging fiberglass reinforced pipes with durable PVC pipes. It also includes the installation of a new water main, service laterals, meters, gate valve assemblies, and two fire hydrants — critical components for improving the reliability of Tinian’s water infrastructure,” he said.
Michael Sheu, business development manager of Hong Ye Construction, which is overseeing the project through its affiliate Ironwood Construction, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Tinian’s infrastructure development. “We understand that infrastructure like this is vital for everyday life and fueling future growth. It is humbling to know that our work here will not only enhance public health and safety but also contribute to a stronger and more sustainable Tinian,” Sheu said.
Chairman Joseph Santos of the Tinian Municipal Council echoed the importance of the project, stating, “This is a significant step toward improving our community’s infrastructure and ensuring a sustainable water supply for years to come. Through our collective efforts, we are ensuring a safer, more reliable water service for all those in our community.”
Also attending the groundbreaking event were Municipal Council Vice Chairwoman Ana Marie San Nicolas, Councilman Estevan Cabrera, CUC and Tinian Mayor’s Office staff, project partners, and members of the Tinian community.
The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of construction, which is expected to enhance the resilience and efficiency of Tinian’s water system. Once completed, the Carolinas Heights waterline replacement project will provide lasting benefits to residents and future generations.
