The events of September 11th in the United States and the continued downturn of the world's economy seem to have had an effect on the construction progress of Arroyo-Barril and El Catey airports with only a little progress made since the terrorist attack. For more related effects of these acts of cowardice, see the Editor's Note at the end of this Update.

El Catey- It was also rumored that construction was stopped at El Catey after drainage problems were encountered at the site, a former rice field and low-lying pasture. However, when this writer passed the site recently a guard was posted at the highway entrance and a vehicle could be seen moving about in the distance at the terminal construction site. The guard allowed us onto the site and some progress could be seen. Several drainage canals have been dug and the site now appears dry.

Temporary construction offices are in place and a mess hall for workers (and apparently for later airport staff) is well under way. Also, the main entrance road for airport is now in progress. It is located on the main highway about ½ mile east of the construction road now in use.

 Arroyo-Barril
A reader reported several months ago on the Samana Net Forum that landing lights were supposedly being installed at the Arroyo-Barril airport, but this writer has been unable to confirm the installation. When local sources were recently quizzed by Samana Net regarding the latest news of this airport nothing further was known.
January 2002

May 2001 Report on this subject, is here