by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The Port Authority of Guam is just several months away from breaking ground and launching the start of its modernization efforts. "We are seeing a lot of progress in the technical development team, we are seeing progress with the program management oversight team, and we are just going to keep going until we break ground," said PAG general manager Mary Torres.

She optimistically says 2012 is the year the agency's modernization begins. For years, the Port Authority has been in the planning stages, but as of today Torres says the port is finally ready for its facelift. "We are going to be going through some of the task orders, which will tie up the process for putting out the bid for the first of the projects. And then we are also working on the other components, which is the main modernization of the uplands," she explained.

Representatives from the Maritime Administration are also on island for the next month to ensure a smooth process in the implementation of the modernization plan. "The modernization program bids will be completed by the end of this year and hopefully awarded," Torres added.

Marad's Brian Varney declined an on-camera interview, but tells KUAM News it's been a difficult road getting to this point, adding there is a great partnership between the Port and MARAD. He says groundbreaking is anticipated for the first quarter of 2013. He says MARAD and the Port are making sure the $50 million from the Department of Defense for the modernization efforts are spent wisely.

In the meantime, Torres says the community can expect a record high in the amount of projects underway at the Port in the last 37 years. "So we've got in addition the purchase of the cranes, which the single most significant accomplishment of the port this year. So we are looking to close in the purchase of the cranes and embark on bidding out for the repairs of F-. There are many projects in the works that are coming to fruition right now and couldn't have been more exciting times," she stated.