by Sabrina Salas Matanane, KUAM NewsMonday, May 05, 2008 Subscribe to Sabrina's newsfeed
This past January representatives from the Government Accountability Office were on Guam, essentially to meet with Government of Guam officials to gather information on the Department of Defense's plans to beef up forces here. Prior to their visit, last September the GAO issued a report noting how the DoD had failed to provide specific information that would help Congress identify funding for relocation of U.S. Marines to Guam.A report issued released today notes the many challenges that still confront Guam and the feds on the proposed buildup, for example: - The DoD's challenges include obtaining adequate funding and meeting operational needs, such as mobility support and training capabilities - Challenges in addressing the effects of military and civilian growth on Guam's community and civilian infrastructureThe GAO cited Guam's highways possibly being unable to bear the increase in traffic associated with the buildup, its electrical system may not be adequate to deliver additional energy needed, its water and wastewater treatment systems are already near capacity, and its solid waste facilities face capacity and environmental challenges even without the additional burden associated with the projected increase in U.S. forces and their dependents.Read the full report at GAO.gov