by Krystal Paco

Guam - It was a close call, but the Department of Education successfully obligates over $59 million of their American Recovery and Reinvestment Act trust funds just before their expiration on Monday.

This follows a recent settlement over the weekend involving a major air conditioning contract and execution of a handful of remaining contracts.

DOE reports the funds were used for roofing and structural repairs, the Southern High fine arts and gymnasium renovation, the Untalan Middle School renovation, fire alarm repairs, stem renovations and equipment as well as A/C upgrades and replacement.

As we've been reporting, DOE was granted an extension from USDOE to obligate the total $60 million in ARRA funds.

With thousands of dollars leftover, USDOE has agreed to allow DOE to retain the remaining funds and expend them by January 31, 2014.