by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - During session this afternoon, lawmakers took on debate regarding an amendment to Bill 437, which provides a creative way to finance several projects at the University of Guam and the Guam Community College. The amendment to the School Facilities Bill would allow UOG and GCC's respective foundations to apply for loans so that it won't be subject to the government's debt ceiling.

The UOG Endowment Foundation, for example, is looking to borrow up to $35 million to fund renovations and construction for the student center and an annex building for the school of engineering to name a few. The loan would be paid back through the liquid fuel tax.

According to UOG vice president of financing Dave O'Brien, the payment agreement was discussed and developed between the USDA office in Guam and GEDA.

Lawmakers were debating the inclusion of language to prohibit tuition increases as a funding source.