by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - The Port Authority of Guam broke ground for its largest port modernization project yet. Today set in motion the phase three facility expansion project developed by the agency and the Maritime Administration. Port board chairman Francisco Santos said, "When this phase three is completed, we are ready to accommodate any organic growth for the port, military buildup, the increase in population will be ready for that challenge."

MARAD acting administrator Paul "Chip" Jaenichen was on island for the occasion saying once the project is completed, it will affirm Guam's future as a major transportation hub for the region. The expansion includes a new 4.6 acre container yard as well as 3.7 acre gate complex , new domestic water and fire distribution system with a 270,000 gallon pre-stressed concrete storage tank, a new electrical load center and associated electrical distribution, high mast lighting, stormwater sewer system and outfall, oil water separators and wash rack facility.