by Nick Delgado

Guam - Senator B.J. Cruz introduced legislation removing exceptions to Guam's solid waste tipping and user fees. Bill 332 strikes the temporary exemption from tipping fees for municipal waste collections, the establishment of a good citizen exemption, the temporary exemption of tipping fees for force majeure, and exemption from tipping fees for municipal waste collection.

Cruz says during the last status hearing, federal receiver Gershman, Brickner & Bratton informed the judge that USDA has prohibitions that involves free services being permitted by anyone that's given a loan or grant. Cruz adds that the measure is in response to the judge questioning who then can make amendments to the law.

He said, "The Legislature is not going to be the one blamed for not getting the USDA loan which has been sitting and waiting final approval for the last ten months."

GovGuam expects to receive an $88.5 million loan and $15 million grant from USDA for the construction of a new landfill.