Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — To ensure that Pago Pago International Airport remained in operation, the Dept. of Port Administration split into three phases the $34-million-dollar airport Apron Rehabilitation Project, which is expected to be completed by mid-2021, says Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga.

The governor provided the explanation in his State of the Territory Comprehensive Report to the Fono and the US Congress, saying this is currently the largest project for the airport.

Some lawmakers and others in the community have raised questions regarding the federally funded project, like what’s involved and why it’s taking so long to be completed, as it began in 2018.  

The work covers the rehabilitation of the entire apron area, including pavement reconstruction, new concrete hard stands, new fuel hydrant system, new floodlights, and slight configuration of the aircraft stands.

Lolo said the project was split into 3-phases to allow the airport to remain in operation during construction. McConnell Dowell is carrying out phase One, which started in May 2018, while Paramount Builders has been awarded Phase Two.

Phase Three is yet to be awarded.

The work will cost $34 million in total when it is fully completed, Lolo said. He touched on  three other Tafuna airport projects, such as the Airfield Lights Upgrade which cost $10 million — and is already completed.

Lolo explained that this project upgrades all the lights and cabling on the airfield to LED fixtures, which will ensure the airport lighting system is of the highest standard to ensure safe aircraft operations.

Another already completed project is the $10 million renovation and upgrade of the main runway, which Lolo says is the “highest priority asset” at the airport. According to the governor, it’s vital that the quality of the pavement on the runway is kept at the highest standard. He explained that the project identified 3,000 feet of the runway that was in very poor condition at the touchdown zone.

ARRIVAL AREA

Lolo said the arrival area has been long overdue for renovation, adding that it does not promote good air flow or passenger flow, causing a very uncomfortable and long experience for passengers and various ASG employees who work there.

The project includes repairs to termite infested areas, installation of an air condition system, relocation of offices to allow for more efficient space, and improvement to the flow of people through the area.

Paramount Builders is the contractor for this project, which costs $500,000 and will be completed soon.