Feds oppose GovGuam's funding request

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The federal government is opposing the Government of Guam's request to have $4.3 million released from bond proceeds to pay capital cost expenses. The government has asked for the money in light of the ongoing financial crisis, but the feds along with the receiver are opposed to releasing any money until the final costs of the closure and the post closure of the Ordot Dump are fully established and funded. 

In his opposition filed with the District Court, Robert Mullaney stated that such a release could result in a shortfall of funds to address the proper closure of the dump that closed its gates to trash late last month. Mullaney also reiterated GovGuam's prior failure to demonstrate any commitment to addressing the solid waste crisis presented by the Ordot Dump, as well as the lack of financial commitment to fund consent decree projects. GovGuam has asked the court to authorize the payment for costs they claim were incurred since 2006.

Meanwhile, the court is scheduled to hold another status hearing on December 7.