Guam - While the discussion on land condemnation has been the highlight of the recent public hearings on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo today reiterated her opposition to the use of eminent domain to acquire land for the buildup.

Bordallo states, "If a landowner is not interested in leasing or selling their private property I would oppose any Department of Defense efforts to use eminent domain to acquire the private property,"

Bordallo says she has made mention of her opposition during several meetings with DoD officials, adding that island leaders and the community would not support the option. Bordallo continues to encourage DoD to work closely with GovGuam and any private landowners to explore mutually agreeable solutions to any land issues. Bordallo states, "Any such effort by the DoD to use eminent domain for land acquisition would have to be approved by the U.S. Congress and would be reviewed by the House Armed Services Committee."

She also added, "I will reiterate my opposition to the use of eminent domain to acquire land in comments that I will submit on the Draft EIS."