The Commonwealth Ports Authority manages the facilities, infrastructure, operations, and support services necessary to keep the CNMI's public airports and seaports functioning safely and effectively.

CPA's work encompasses the daily operation of transportation facilities as well as their long-term maintenance and development. This requires coordination among airport and seaport operations, public safety, engineering, maintenance, administration, finance, procurement, commercial activities, and other specialized functions.

Airport Operations

CPA operates and maintains public airport facilities serving Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. These facilities support international, regional, inter-island, commercial, cargo, and other aviation activities.

CPA's airport responsibilities include:

• Managing airport terminals, runways, taxiways, and operational areas 
• Maintaining facilities and supporting infrastructure 
• Supporting passenger and commercial aviation operations 
• Coordinating airport safety and emergency-response functions 
• Managing airport leases, concessions, and other commercial activities 
• Supporting airline and cargo operations 
• Coordinating with federal and local agencies operating within airport facilities 
• Planning and implementing airport improvements

Seaport Operations

CPA also manages the public seaport facilities serving Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. These facilities are important to the movement of cargo, fuel, supplies, equipment, and other goods throughout the Commonwealth.

CPA's seaport responsibilities include:

• Managing harbor and port facilities 
• Supporting cargo and commercial shipping operations 
• Maintaining docks, berthing areas, container areas, and related infrastructure 
• Supporting inter-island and small-vessel activities 
• Managing port leases and commercial activities 
• Maintaining port facilities and operational areas 
• Coordinating safety, security, and law-enforcement activities 
• Planning and implementing port improvements

Safety & Emergency Response

Safe operations are an important part of CPA's responsibilities. Specialized personnel and operational units support emergency preparedness, response, law enforcement, and protection of CPA facilities.

These functions include:

• Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) 
• Ports Police services 
• Emergency response and preparedness 
• Aviation fire and rescue capabilities 
• Public-safety coordination 
• Specialized ARFF and emergency-response training

CPA also operates the Pacific Region Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting Training Center (PRATC) on Saipan, which provides specialized training to fire-service and emergency-response personnel from the CNMI and other jurisdictions throughout the Western Pacific.

Infrastructure & Facility Management

Airports and seaports require continuous maintenance, inspection, repair, and improvement. CPA manages infrastructure and facility needs across its locations to support ongoing operations and long-term service.

This work includes:

• Facility and terminal maintenance 
• Airfield and harbor infrastructure 
• Engineering and construction projects 
• Utilities and operational systems 
• Equipment and facility improvements 
• Capital improvement projects 
• Planning for future transportation needs 

Administration & Business Operations

CPA's operational facilities are supported by administrative and business functions necessary to manage a public authority.

These responsibilities include:

• Financial management and reporting 
• Procurement and contracting 
• Human resources 
• Property and lease administration 
• Concessions and business opportunities 
• Records and administrative services 
• Regulatory compliance 
• Public reporting and accountability

Supporting Connectivity

Ultimately, CPA's work is about connectivity. Airports and seaports connect the islands of the CNMI to one another and connect the Commonwealth to the broader region.

By managing these critical transportation facilities, CPA supports the movement of people, goods, services, commerce, and essential supplies while helping maintain the transportation infrastructure necessary for the Commonwealth's communities and economy.