CPA Executive Director Edward M. Deleon Guerrero said the implementation of the Tinian Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting relocation project may begin in 2013 instead of this year due to lack of federal funding.
However, he said the training facility project for the ARFF on Saipan is ongoing.
“We have given notice to proceed to construct a mock plane that is going to be used for the training,” he added.
Asked if the project remains on schedule, Deleon Guerrero said “yes, as far as I know.”
The project is anticipated to be completed by June 2013.
Fund contribution
Variety also asked Deleon Guerrero if the ports authority has resolved whether it would follow the newly adopted Retirement Fund employer contribution rate.
He declined to comment saying, “We are looking at that from a legal standpoint.”
As early as August this year, the Ports Authority had already raised concern with the newly adopted contribution rate that CPA believed would cost about $750,000 for the airport and $250,000 for the seaport.
The $1 million impact of this increased Fund contribution would affect the ports agency’s bond indenture compliance.
The Retirement Fund adopted a new employer contribution rate of 60.8686 percent effective Oct. 1, from 37.3909 percent in 2010.
