14 Aug 2009

Fears in Northern Marianas federalisation will mean some entry ports downgraded

7:28 am on 14 August 2009

The Northern Marianas' Commonwealth Ports Authority has expressed concerns that the US federal takeover of local immigration may lead to a downgrading in the status of both its Rota and Tinian airports.

The CPA executive director, Efrain Camacho, says if an airport is not being used enough to justify a permanent presence, it may be reclassified.

He says given the current international activity at both Tinian and Rota, this is a real possibility.

Mr Camacho says both sites are hampered by limited flights and inadequate international facilities, but a downgrading would further hurt the ailing CNMI economy.

The federal takeover is due to happen on November 28th.