Receiver in federal court

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Federal receiver Gershman Bricker & Bratton and GovGuam are in federal court today for a status conference. Just last week District Court Chief Judge Frances Tydingco Gatewood noted in a decision that she  is preparing to end the federal receivership  and hand control of the solid waste management authority to the board. As we reported last week the judge approved the government's motion to substitute counsel but only as it applies to payment of the land condemnation judgment.  GovGuam and the AG's Office disagree over the payment of the $25 million judgment to the landowners of condemned Dandan property.  Landowners have been waiting for payment but GBB has been opposed to using bond proceeds to pay the judgment claiming it is needed for the closure of the Ordot Dump. The court noted that the AG's Office has handled the case for the government for nearly a decade and is intimately aware of the various issues in the case.  Tydingco Gatewood notes that final design plans for the closure of the Ordot Dump awaits approval and the "finish line is in sight" putting an end to an era of non-compliance by the government.  She adds the court and the public will not tolerate any derailment or delay to this progress.