by Lannie Walker

Guam - State Historic Preservation Officer Lynda Aguon says they are still waiting for the latest draft of the Programmatic Agreement on how adverse effects to historical sites on Guam during the buildup will be mitigated. Assistant Deputy Secretary to the Navy on Environment Don Schregardus visited Guam earlier this month and met with Aguon and consulting parties in an attempt to come to a compromise on the finer points of the agreement.

Aguon says she was disappointed in those talks when it became clear the Navy has no plans of removing Pagat from the PA as the preferred location for a firing range. Schregardus had communicated at the time that a new draft of the PA would be issued by November 12. She said, "Right now we haven't received the newest version the newest draft since the September 15 draft and we are expecting that hopefully this week or next week."

The current lack of a Programmatic Agreement will not affect the forward momentum of the buildup notes Aguon. She says the preservation office is currently reviewing two military projects related to the buildup. Schregardus had earlier indicated he would like to see a PA signed before Thanksgiving.