“Having an updated facility plan will effectively prepare the agency in the timely requesting of the necessary funds for the upgrade,” he told CPA Executive Director Edward M. Deleon Guerrero.
In his letter, Aldan said updating the Pagan airstrip master plan last commissioned by CPA in Jan. 2008 would provide the information helpful to “interested developers.”
“Your assistance would be of great service to the people of these underdeveloped islands north of Saipan,” Aldan told Deleon Guerrero.
Deleon Guerrero met with the Northern Islands Development Planning Committee on Sept. 14, 2011, at the Northern Islands mayor’s office on Capital Hill.
Aldan said the meeting was fruitful and positive.
“Needless to say, we all agree that the Pagan airstrip is a pivotal component in the resettlement and redevelopment goals of the Northern Frontier,” he said.
Having safe air travel to the Northern Islands will “sustain basic trade and commerce up north, by facilitating efficient mobility of people and valuable merchandise to and from the island,” he added.
The mayor told Deleon Guerrero about the intention of businessman Paul Zak to create an “air bridge” to the Northern Islands through Arctic Circle Air.
This local air cargo company has expressed interest in providing air service to Pagan and other islands up north, the mayor said.
At the minimum, the airstrip must be 1,000 feet in length and 50 feet wide from the landing center for a twin-engine plane to land safely, he said.
