Tinian needs expanded local infrastructure amid military build-up

As the military pursues millions of dollars worth of projects on Tinian amid rising tensions in the region, one local business owner says space is running out and he wants to see more local businesses invest.

Phillip Mendiola-Long , President, Tinian Chamber of Commerce, said, "I highly encourage that. If you have not been to tears yet and you're feeling the threat or the pain of what is going on over here, you've got to come across the street."

Mendiola-Long encouraging Saipan, Rota, and Guam business owners to invest in Tinian before larger, off-island companies take over amid the military build-up, noting, "I don't want to wake up on Tinian and not know anybody anymore."

He’s also the owner of Sherman Consulting and Tinian Services, providing services to the military industry. He shared what the CNMI can expect from the buildup at the Saipan Chamber of Commerce economic forum this week.

"So what's going on on Tinian that we know for sure? 2.6 billion is what we know  what's going on on Tinian for sure. You have up to three military installations that require annual federal contracting for construction, maintenance, and sustainment purchases," he said.

Millions have already been awarded for the divert airfield, harbor improvements, and north field resurfacing. Two-thirds of the island are leased to the military.

"There is no space on Tinian. And we just in the beginning, we don't have retail space," he said.

He said the island could see 200 to 400 construction workers and executive personnel book hotels for over a year because the aren’t any apartments available on Tinian. Some of the biggest needs are warehousing and accommodations.

"We definitely encourage that are on the island here on Saipan or from Guam…we need this help immediately and we want to keep it as local as possible," he said.