by Nick Delgado

Guam - Governor Felix Camacho is asking the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, that the 2014 time line for the military buildup be extended. In a news release Camacho says it's an effort to minimize impacts and ensure that the marine relocation is implemented properly.

He wrote, "I believe that a request for an extension would help lessen the impact of the military buildup on Guam. In fact, during our Village Workshop on January 20, I expressed my intention to ask the United States to consider extending their deadline for the buildup. The extension will greatly impact every area of public concern. It will lessen the pressure currently being placed on our people to accommodate a significant influx in our population."

Governor Camacho also requested that all actions related to the Guam Military buildup program be delayed to beyond 2014 to protect the unit integrity of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force and ensure that impacts are minimized to our island infrastructure and socioeconomic services.

Camacho also asked that the adaptive program techniques, identified in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, be used to extend the construction phase of the program. "Use of the adaptive program techniques will enable Guam to be better prepared for the impacts associated with marine relocation while protecting the unit integrity of the 3rd marine Expeditionary Force," he continued. "I believe that this request is consistent with the Guam International Agreement signed between the U.S. and Japan."