Port files for dismissal of Watts lawsuit

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The Port Authority of Guam has asked a federal judge to dismiss a civil suit filed against it by Watts Constructors.  According to documents filed late this afternoon with the district court, the port authority contends the suit should be dismissed because watts failed to exhaust available administrative remedies such as arbitration.

Additionally the agency believes the claims are contract claims arising out of their payment and agreement to pay the Port charges.

Watts is challenging more than $1,000,000 in charges imposed by the agency after the company sent military cargo through the Guam Shipyard instead of the Port.  The agency argues that in order for someone to sue the government or any agency, sovereign immunity must be waived.