GIA upgrades: Terminal, roads, more

BY PAULY SUBA
Journal Staff

The most recent $3.2million grant awarded to the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport Authority is just the start of some major projects facing the island’s essential gateway in the next three years.
The award secured by the airport authority is provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Terminal Program and will be used for the Terminal Roofing project in 2024.

John M. Quinata, executive manager of the Guam International Airport Authority; expressed gratitude for the funds and recognized their importance to rehabilitate the terminal roof.

He said the original building has aged and has limitations requiring repairs, including the roof and planning for solar panels. Quinata confirmed the long-standing issue of roof leaks and mentioned that an architectural and engineering firm would provide detailed recommendations for repairs. "We are considering a full-scale repair of the roof, including the installation of solar panels," he said.

Artemio “Ricky” Hernandez, deputy executive manager of the Guam International Airport Authority; said that while the airport has a maintenance plan for the roof, extensive repairs and replacement are necessary. He said $3.2 million was allocated from the BIL program. This funding is separate from the previously announced $21 million for roof repairs, which was part of the airport terminal program. An additional $3.2 million comes from the Airport Improvement Grant program allocated from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The funding will address various aspects of the project, including roof membrane repair, general roof repairs, and the installation of brackets and solar panels, Hernandez said.

The projects were planned long before Typhoon Mawar struck, Quinata said. The roof repairs were not in response to typhoon damage but were part of the airport's ongoing maintenance plans.

He addressed concerns regarding recent videos showing significant water leaks during Typhoon Mawar. Quinata said the combination of heavy rain and strong winds resulted in leaves clogging the drainage system, causing water to accumulate on the roof. Despite the presence of rain traps, the influx of leaves overwhelmed the system, leading to flooding.

Quinata said that measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, including the use of grants for roof repairs. He expressed confidence in the engineers' assessments but acknowledged the unpredictable nature of construction challenges.

"We cannot guarantee that unforeseen issues won't arise, but we are hopeful that the engineers have done their job to prevent future incidents," Quinata said.

"The roof is the next significant project, and while the allocated funds cover a portion of the expenses, we are executing these projects in phases," Hernandez said.

Quinata underscored the importance of competition among airports and the need for responsible financial management. He said the airport's track record of timely and transparent fund utilization positions Guam as a role model in the region.

“The FAA uses us as subject matter experts for other airports in the region. For example, we maintain communication with the CNMI airport to improve their operations and also get them ready for the certification process," Quinata said.

Hernandez provided insights into upcoming projects, mentioning the terminal flooring as part of Typhoon Mawar recovery efforts. While specific cost details are pending contract signing, Hernandez disclosed that the procurement process for a combination of tiles and carpeting is underway. He noted that the bids for the terminal flooring will close towards the end of April.

Quinata emphasized the significance of the flooring and roof projects as top priorities. However, Quinata acknowledged the bureaucratic hurdles, insurance requirements, and competitive bidding processes that must be navigated meticulously.

"We must ensure all necessary procedures are followed, as any challenge or protest could delay the projects significantly," Quinata said, highlighting the potential setbacks that procurement protests could pose.

Hernandez added that terminal painting is also on the agenda, noting the substantial undertaking of painting airport facilities. He stressed the importance of prioritizing safety throughout the painting process, especially when accessing elevated areas.

"Before painting can commence, extensive preparation work, including stripping and priming, must be completed to ensure durability, especially as we get closer to the rainy season,"
Quinata said, further reiterating the necessity of implementing infrastructure projects in phases to minimize disruptions to flight operations, particularly concerning apron and taxiway repairs.

"The completion date for the entire apron project is March 2026," Hernandez said. He described it as the concrete area around the terminal building where airplanes park. Hernandez emphasized the importance of ensuring proper drainage and fuel spill containment to enhance safety standards.

"Safety is our top priority. We're focused on ensuring the apron elevation directs water away from the terminal building to protect airline and pilot safety," Hernandez said.

Quinata also shared plans for new attractions at the airport, including the expansion of cargo aprons to facilitate increased cargo operations. He emphasized the need for expansion, citing the airport's proximity to reaching capacity, with passenger numbers on the rise before the pandemic hit. "We are coming close to capacity. In 2019, we were at the point where the airport needed to expand," Quinata said.

Hernandez elaborated on the funding and planning for the cargo apron expansion, highlighting the benefits of seamless cargo operations and potential public-private partnerships.

He also discussed the airport's role as a hub for cargo during the pandemic, noting a significant increase in cargo traffic. He emphasized the need to upgrade cargo facilities to meet growing demands and attract more cargo operations to the airport.

Quinata also addressed the ongoing road construction masterplan of the Department of Public Works to repair Route 10A, also known as Airport Road. Quinata said, “The construction will provide more accessibility and safety for motorists on Tiyan Parkway and Route 10A. But Route 10A will be first."

Linda Ibanez, deputy director of the Department of Public Works confirmed that DPW is undertaking three major projects in Guam. She said, “the Route 10A project and Tiyan Parkway are some of the highest priority projects for DPW in the 2030 Guam transportation long range master plan.”

She said these projects are designed to enhance capacity for both public and military use. “Due to the large cost of these projects the DPW had no choice but to apply for competitive grants,” Ibanez said.

DPW is also working with both the congressman’s office and the federal government to increase annual allocations to account for the significant increase in construction costs and increased military activities in Guam that pose increased traffic and wear and tear on Guam roadways.

The first of the projects, Route 10A (Airport Road) Reconstruction and Widening was split into two phases due to its size and cost. Phase 1 includes reconstruction and widening from Route 1 through the Guam International Airport Authority parking lot, which will add sidewalks and bike lanes. DPW has also applied for a $25 million grant for construction, expected in fiscal 2025.

Phase 2 of this project covers widening from GIAA departures exit to Route 16, with similar enhancements. With design costs estimating $1million, DPW has applied for a grant aiming for an award in fiscal 2025 to help cover these costs. 

The second project under the GTP is the Route 20 (Maga’Håga Highway) Tiyan Parkway and was completed in 2014, which created a new road connecting San Jose Mart to Sunset Boulevard.

The third project extends Tiyan Parkway, creating a five-lane roadway with sidewalks and paved shoulders, running parallel to Sunset Boulevard, and connecting to Route 10A at the Home Depot intersection. DPW is seeking a competitive grant for construction, aiming for a $35 million award by fiscal 2026.

Now that the Village of Donki has officially opened, both Quinata and Hernandez understand that these upgrades to the roads in the area will help ease congestion.

Although the store is not affiliated with the airport’s operation, Hernandez expressed optimism about the opening of Village of Donki, recognizing its potential impact on airport operations and revenues. Hernandez highlighted the airport's support for the project and its anticipated benefits for both tourists and locals.

"As the influx of visitors to Donki may affect traffic around the airport, our airport police will assist with traffic control to ensure smooth operations," Hernandez said. "The expansion of Route 10A will contribute to safer pedestrian access and alleviate congestion, benefiting both motorists and the airport."

Looking ahead, Hernandez said the airport's focus remains on capital improvements and the completion of its master plan to ensure long-term sustainability and meet future demand.

Hernandez said, "The master plan provides a roadmap for the airport's development over the next five, 10, and 20 years. Once we start outgrowing ourselves, we don’t want to start planning at that point, but rather we are looking forward and looking ahead." mbj