Commonwealth Ports Authority board members Thomas Villagomez and Joseph Diaz, Board Chair Ramon A. Tebuteb and Vice Chair Steve Mesngon listen to the presentation, via Zoom, of Rota Sea Port Manager Albert Taitano, as board member Dolores Kiyoshi takes note during a special board meeting in the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting classroom at the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport on Wednesday.
THE Commonwealth Ports Authority board of directors on Wednesday approved $99,810 for the construction of a vehicular ramp at the Thomas C. Mendiola/Rota West Harbor.
Once completed, the project will provide businesses access to the gangway where they can load and unload shipments from small cargo ships to their vehicles.
CPA board chair Ramon A. Tebuteb said the project’s funding source is the seaport revenue.
He thanked the CPA management for its diligence in getting the project through the review process.
He noted that two companies submitted bids — RNV Construction and J&J Construction. The contract was awarded to J&J Construction, which, according to CPA Board Vice Chair Steve Mesngon, has been contracted for other projects on Rota.
Mesngon asked his fellow board members to support the project because the vehicular ramp is a much-needed facility at Rota West Harbor. He said the people of Rota continue to “face the challenge of shipping products to the island.” He said it has been difficult to load and unload shipments.
“This is for the benefit of our people who are suffering right now for not having this unique kind of facility,” he said. “At least this can…help in the way…we…import some of these commodities. Most of these are shipments that go to the store and…to the consumers. So I ask the indulgence of all the members to please support this project,” Mesngon said.
Rota Seaport Manager Albert Taitano, who attended the meeting via Zoom, provided board members with an overview of the project. He also discussed the current condition of the commercial marina where the vehicular ramp will be constructed.
Board member Antonio Cabrera noted that the vehicular ramp will also help ensure the safety of residents visiting that part of the Rota West Harbor.
