Navy indicates readiness to sign Agreement

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Despite numerous concerns raised from various organizations and members of the public that the proposed Programmatic Agreement fails to recognize the impacts the buildup will have on historic properties, it appears the Navy is ready to seal the deal.  Guam Historic Preservation Officer Lynda Aguon confirmed during a public hearing Tuesday night that the Deputy Secretary of the Navy for the environment is ready to sign the agreement.

"I don't believe this is a necessary agreement, when you start to talk with the federal navy officials its like they are on your Guam, its like, 'Okay, Guam, you need to straighten up and look at what we gave you so review it make a decision. Make sure you sign it'," said Aguon.  "And I didn't appreciate that because I felt like we went through this comment period just for the sake of doing it 'cause the law says to do it."

Aguon says it appears the PA doesn't include the concerns raised during the comment period. She testified in support of Resolution 432-30, which objects to the execution of the agreement and concurs that historic properties will be impacted by military buildup projects.