A dedication ceremony was held today, for one of the biggest airport improvement jobs carried out at Pago Pago International Airport.
Director of Port Administration Falenaoti Loi On Fruean provided a history of the Apron Rehabilitation Project.
The project saw construction of 741,000 square feet, or 17 acres of new pavement and utilities for the airport.
The work includes:
- 3 new concrete hard stands and widening of the apron area to allow easier aircraft movement.
- 7 new fuel hydrants on the stands, and connection back to the new tank farm in Lyons Park.
- New stormwater drainage including an oil water separator.
- Six new floodlights to light up the entire apron.
- New apron edge lights.
- New pavement markings.
- New emergency stations for each stand.
Total cost of the project, which started in 2018, was more than $38 million. The Federal Aviation Administration provided $34.3 million. Department of Interior Capital Improvement Project funding was $600,000 and ASG contributed $3.1 million.
KODAK Digital Still Camera
McConnel Dowell Amerika Samoa was the contractor for Phase 1, while Paramount Builders was awarded Phases 2-6.
The designer was BECA Group of New Zealand and construction management was by PPG Consultants, owned by Philip Wendt. The senior engineer assigned to oversee the project was Natalia Palamo of Port Administration.
The Governor, Fono leaders, directors and owners of companies, who were involved in the project, attended the dedication ceremony. The invocation was by Rev. Tanielu Asafo of the CCJS, speeches were given by the Governor, Paramount Builders owner Papalii Laulii Alofa and Director Loi-On Fruean. The cutting of the ribbon was by First Lady Ella Failautusi Mauga.
Owner of Paramount Builders, Papalii said THAT he was proud that for the first time a local company has built a major airport project, and sees this as an opening for local construction companies. He said, he was thankful for the opportunity to prove that a local company can do this major airport project and added that, while the bonding issue was an obstacle they initially faced, he’s proud that they’ve finished the work to the satisfaction of the FAA and local government without any injuries on the job.
Photos: Department of Port Administration
