Finding and Purposes

Finding and Purposes. It is hereby found that an obstruction has the potential for endangering the lives and property of users of the airports on Saipan, Tinian and Rota, and property of occupants of land in the vicinities of the respective airports, that an obstruction may affect existing and future instrument approach minimums of an airport and that an obstruction may reduce the size of areas available for the landing, taking off, and maneuvering of aircraft, thus tending to destroy or impair the utility of an airport and the public investment therein. Accordingly, it is declared: (a) That the creation or establishment of an obstruction has the potential of being a public nuisance and may injure the region served by an airport; (b) That it is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, and general welfare that the creation or establishment of obstructions that are a hazard to air navigation be prevented; (c) That the prevention of these obstructions should be accomplished, to the extent legally possible, by the exercise of the police power without compensation. It is further declared that the prevention of the creation or establishment of hazards to air navigation, the elimination, removal, alteration or mitigation of hazards to air navigation, or the marking and lighting of obstructions, are public purposes and functions appropriate for the Commonwealth Ports Authority in carrying on the business of maintaining, operating and managing airports and for the expenditure of public or authority funds therefor. Source: PL 4-10, § 2.