by Mindy Aguon

Guam - A pair of bills that would help fund a public safety headquarters received favorable testimony during a public hearing. Because there aren't any means to fund the construction of a new headquarters, the legislation would provide tax credits to private companies willing to construct the new facility.

The Guam Police Department has a looming deadline of September 30 of this year to move out of its current Tiyan offices. Captain Mark Charfauros urged lawmakers to pass the legislation and also identify any additional funding source to make the headquarters a reality as the department has no where to go when they are evicted from Tiyan.

"However, there is no funding source available to seek office rent for GPD and the Airport has made it clear that they're not going to extend our stay at the Tiyan facilities because in their position it jeopardizes there bond covenants," said Charfauros.

Chief Deputy Attorney General Phil Tydingco said the office supports the two measures but recommended that wording be specific to identify the value of the tax credit.