by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Needing to make repairs immediately, the Port Authority of Guam isn't going to wait on its funding request to the U.S. Maritime Administration. Today the port board directed management to embark on setting up the mechanics for procuring waterfront repairs. The estimated $15 million loan would extend the service life of the wharf for another decade.

Port officials had hoped that MARAD would approve the use of Department of Defense funding that had already been committed, but without a response the port is proceeding. Board chair Dan Tydingco says the agency will also be sitting down with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the bank on getting their comfort level on the procurement of cranes and getting them insured. Concerns had been raised about insuring or funding the cranes with the current deteriorating condition of the port.

Negotiations meanwhile with Matson and Horizon for the acquisition of additional cranes continues.