Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza has promised to push for funding for the alternative road to the new Bacolod-Silay airport, Gov. Joseph Marañon said yesterday.

Marañon, who met with Mendoza Wednesday, said President Gloria Arroyo is already aware of the need for an access road to the airport in Silay City.

The alternate road is targeted to be built through Guinhalaran, as the McKinley Road that is being repaired passes through two cemeteries where traffic to the new airport is expected to be congested.

Marañon said completion of acquisition of the property for the Guinhalaran road is the task of the new Silay Mayor Jose "Oti" Montelibano.

"Let us see him use his persuasive powers," Marañon said.

The advance party for Arroyo's visit on July 13 is expected to arrive today to inspect the new airport site, he added.

Meanwhile, Marañon said he will also raise the possibility of building an irrigation highway by interconnecting water from the big rivers of the province through impounding with Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap. This will need a feasibility study, he said.*CPG

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