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Guam - KUAM News has learned that the department of the navy and the Department of the Interior, which has oversight over fish and wildlife may have reached a compromise.


Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo just this afternoon sent a letter to island leaders regarding this compromise and further asked that they comment and provide feedback by the end of today.


In a statement to KUAM, Bordallo says she was informed today that DOI and the Navy have agreed on legislative language that addresses their respective concerns and that authorizes a cooperative agreement on uses of Ritidian.


The agreement still calls for the designation of a surface danger zone which overlays the Ritidian unit and may include measures funded by the Department of the Navy such as the relocation and reconstruction of existing structures and facilities.  The agreement would require the DOI secretary to submit a report to Congress within one year after the enactment of HR-4402 on the feasibility of re-locating or re-establishing a wildlife refuge to an alternate location in the area of the current refuge.


She requested immediate feedback from local leaders as the House Armed Services Committee marks up the FY15 National Defense Authorization Act on Wednesday. She goes on to say, "I want to ensure that we are moving in the right direction to address the concerns of all stakeholders including the concerns of the original landowners of the Ritidian property. We have very difficult decisions to make, but I am confident that by continuing to have an open dialogue, we will be able to find a way forward that presents a unified One Guam approach and address our community's concerns."