THERE will be less dependence on sea transportation between Tinian and Saipan when the Tinian airport is finally completed in September, local officials said.
“We see that the dependency on ferry operations will be lessened because Tinian direct flights will begin within the year,” Esther Calvo, revenue and taxation director, said during Wednesday’s board meeting of the Commonwealth Development Authority.
The issue was mentioned during a board discussion of Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino’s application for tax relief.
In a separate interview, Commonwealth Ports Authority Executive Director Carlos H. Salas confirmed that Tinian airport’s construction would be completed by September.
“It’s ready. It will be up and ready for use by then,” he said.
CPA’s Tinian board member, Ray Cing, said the new airport will accommodate international flights. “We’re looking forward to that. It’s going to be a brand new airport,” Cing said in a recent interview.
He said the airport will not only cater to passengers, but it would also be used for cargo landing.
“It’s about time we focus on Tinian. Having this airport right there will bring tremendous benefits to the tourism industry,” Cing said.
During the board meeting, Calvo’s group and CDA officials agreed that the government could not grant a 100 percent tax abatement to Tinian Dynasty.
Tinian Dynasty earlier sought a 100 percent tax abatement from the government, which is allowed in the Investment Incentive Act of 2000. CDA and Revenue and Taxation officials will meet again next week to further assess Tinian Dynasty’s application.
Officials could not confirm the exact amount of Tinian Dynasty’s debt to the commonwealth, but CDA Chairman Juan S. Tenorio during the meeting said it was from $17 million to $22 million.
“We don’t want to lose the company but make sure they pay the government. You need to get the $17 million back,” Tenorio told Calvo’s team.
