CPA is constructing a new toll booth at the entrance of the Saipan domestic airport commuter terminal in an attempt to raise more revenues to balance its debt-service ratio for its airport and seaport bonds.
Hofschneider, R-Tinian, urged CPA Executive Director Efrain Camacho to be more reasonable given the islands’ economic crisis.
The senator said many residents of Tinian and Rota constantly travel to Saipan.
“Tinian and Rota residents pay CPA charges on landing fees, wharfage fees, etc. because of our necessary additional travel and shipping, not to mention other increased costs of living on our respective islands. To add an additional fee for the use of the drop off area at the commuter terminal, I feel would be excessive,” he told Camacho in a letter sent on Wednesday.
A grace period for those entering the commuter terminal for drop-off or pick-up purposes was suggested.
“I am hopeful that those entering the commuter terminal, for drop-off or pick-up purposes only, will be allowed a reasonable grace period and that only those who plan to park at the terminal for extended stay will be charged a parking fee,” Hofschneider said.
“However, I do know that it is CPA policy at the seaport to grant no grace period for drop-off or pick-up of people or cargo,” he added.
