Senators change their minds

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Looks like several senators have changed their mind when it comes to heeding advice by the Department of Public Works. Director Joanne Brown earlier this year had warned senators that Bill 443 had to be passed to restore her agency's authority over routed roads. 

Brown warned that if the law is not changed millions of dollars in federal highway funding for local road projects could be compromised. In late April, Bill 443 failed to get enough support. The vote was 7-7 and one excused absence. 

Yesterday Senator Chris Duenas, who was one of the lawmakers who shot down Bill 443, introduced Bill 468. "When the issue was raised that there was a possibility of losing these funds and it was clarified between the Mayors Council and DPW and the Governor's Office, they said they'll work with DPW and understand where this is now, we'll go back and ask the legislature to undo what was signed into law," he said.