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Airport Apron Rehabilitation Project dedicated this past Wednesday

govt officials at opening of During the opening of the close to $40 million Apron Rehabilitation Project at the Airport on Wednesday.
All 6 phases are now complete
Joyetter@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A close to $40 million upgrade for the Pago Pago International Airport, as part of the Apron Rehabilitation Project was dedicated on Wednesday.

The project, which started seven years ago consisted of six phases.

The $38,004,074 multimillion Apron Rehabilitation Project was designed by BECCA company out of New Zealand, said  Director of Port Administration Falenaoti Loi-on Fruean during the ceremony.

The project started when Taimalelagi Dr Claire Tuia Poumele was director of Port under the Lolo Administration.

It was carried on by the late Port Director, Chris King and it’s now concluding under Mrs Loi-on Fruean’s tenure.

During her speech, the director said phase one was constructed by the McConnell Dowell and the remaining five phases were constructed by Paramount builders while PPG Consultants, a local Samoan engineering firm with extensive experience in the area of civil engineering services, oversaw the construction management.

Port Administration Senior Engineer Natalia Palamo oversaw the implementation phase of this project, which lasted for approximately seven years from design, to the permit process and construction. 

The first phase started in 2018 and was completed within 2 years; while the remaining phases, the construction started in 2019 and concluded on its fourth year. 

She explained the Scope of Work covered a total of 17 acres of new pavement and utilities for the airport, which included, a new asphalt pavement for the entire apron; 3 concrete hard stands and widening of the apron area to allow easier aircraft movement.

Also there are seven new fuel hydrants on the stands, and connection back to the new tank farm in Lions Park; new storm water drainage including an oil water separator; six floodlights to light up the entire apron; apron edge lights; pavement markings and new emergency stations for each stand.

There were three funding sources for this project.

According to director Falenaoti,  FAA issued three grants totaling to $34,303,667; DOI provided two local CID matching grants totaling to $600,000; ASG provided local matching funds of $3,100,407.

 “The total and final cost of this project came out to $38,004,074.

 “We continue to improve our runways, taxiways, and aprons for the safety of the aircrafts flying into American Samoa, and we strive to maintain the highest safety standard at our airport facility not only because it is mandated in our federal regulations, but also the safety of our families traveling to and from is paramount to us.”

Governor Lemanu commended the work of Director Loi-on Fruean and the department of Port Administration in playing a vital role in the government.

 “The airport is crucial as it is the first glimpse of American Samoa’s beauty to all travelers. Here they will see the luscious greenery of our mountains as seen on the runway and the happy faces of our people displayed across the arrival area.

 “Here is their first taste of our culture.

 “The airport also plays a vital role as this is the gateway to neighboring islands such as Manu’a, and it serves as another means of transportation aside from sea travel for our people.

 “I want to commend the hard work of our contractors who have ensured the completion and adequate apron for our Territory,” he said.

Government leaders, members of the Senate and House, Cabinet members and former Director of Port Administration Taimalelagi Claire Tuia Poumele were among those who attended the ceremony at the official opening of the Apron Rehabilitation Project. [ASG photo]