by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Testimony in support of Resolution 254 was presented to the Legislature's Transportation Committee today. The measure seeks affirms a balanced approach to the port's modernization. Concerns were raised after senators learned that the Maritime Administration wants the agency to focus a $50 million DOD grant on the repair and replacement of wharves.

The port board has informed MARAD that it would like to go back to the original plan to focus on upland programs first while implementing limited stabilization measures. Board vice chair Mike Benito said, "While we support the efforts of MARAD to bolster our case for replacing water front facilities, we are not in a position to tackle this aspect of the program without having in place a financial plan for taken into completion."

He added the port doesn't want to forsake any upland facility improvements or ignore system upgrades or sustainability measures for the remainder of the port infrastructure merely to execute a partial waterfront solution. He says in addition to applying for $23 million in Tiger Grants as part of the Port Modernization Plan, the port will reach out to the military and federal stakeholders to resolve conflict and changing priorities.