by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The federal management team contends that comments and opposition to their plan of action resulted in Guam losing out in millions in federal funding. In the latest status report submitted to the District Court, James Casey noted that the Health and Human Services Administration was "keenly interested in underwriting the cost" of the center. The facility was intended to improve the efficiency and treatment of individuals in the target population in the amended permanent injunction.

Casey added that the opposition raised by some in the community "sounded the death knell in terms of federal monies to bankroll the project" resulting in Guam losing out on an $8 million facility. The report also outlined the team's progress in hiring and contracting various professionals as well as opening a new residential group home.

Casey told the court that the bottom line is that more systemic change is on the way.