by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - The Guam Waterworks Authority has been awarded $12.7 million in federal grant assistance to support the development of institutional capacity for Capital Improvement Projects. The funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will assist GWA to implement projects from a list of priorities to be approved by the Guam Environmental Protection Agency to address human health and the environment. The projects will focus specifically on drinking water and wastewater system assessment and the development of a master plan for future projects.

"These Federal funds will help Guam Waterworks make critical improvements to Guam's water and wastewater system," said Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo. "The Federal government continues to invest in Guam's civilian infrastructure to improve the distribution of water to local residents and enhance services provided by GWA. I look forward to these funds benefiting our community." Also commenting on the federal grant award Governor Eddie Calvo said "GWA is committed to stimulating this economy. Its projects will create jobs and help get us back on track. I'm thankful Congresswoman Bordallo and the Federal government recognize the hard work from GWA's men and women, and have supported this home-grown effort to improve our drinking water and protect our environment."

GWA General Manager, Martin Roush said "We are grateful for these Federal dollars to assist in our ongoing efforts in providing Guam residents with safe and clean water to drink," said Roush. "These funds are already at work in our community to continue to make our tap water the safest to drink in decades."

U.S. EPA also awarded GWA $1,550,000 in Federal grant assistance through the Safe Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. The funds will be used to assist GWA make necessary improvements to fully complete the rehabilitation of the Ugum Water Treatment Plant, which supplies drinking water to the southern part of Guam.