by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Plans for the federal management team's center have resurfaced. While there had been discussions that federal funding for the facility was in jeopardy, the team announced today that the money has been included in the 2012 federal budget through the Department of Defense Community Development Fund.

$22.9 million is included in the 2012 budget for a repository, The Center, and a lab for Public Health. Dr. James Kiffer said they'll know by August whether the funding will survive the budget cut process. if the money becomes available, lawmakers will have to reconsider using the old goodwill property across from JFK High School in Upper Tumon, for the construction of a new public safety headquarters.

Senator Adolpho Palacios says whatever the case the Guam Police Department should be able to remain in Tiyan until a permanent headquarters is identified. "With the support of course from the airport, Bill 45 would be moved in as a substitute bill on session floor which accommodates all of the recommendations and comments of the airport. Both support this and this would be resolved," he explained.

Palacios and Speaker Judi Won Pat had proposed using the old Goodwill location for the new headquarters after the Calvo Administration confirmed that The Center could be built at the existing Mental Health facility in Tamuning. Dr. Kiffer however says the DoD approved the plans for the Tamuning site.