SHPO says no construction contracts will be signed until resurvey of archeological sites completed

Joint Region Marianas says it's committed to upholding the requirements outlined in the 2015 Programmatic Agreement to protect and preserve cultural resources within lands under the
Navy's care.

On Thursday, Guam State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick Lujan invoked a stipulation in the programmatic agreement to halt construction of a fifth military live-fire training range at Northwest Field. Lujan called for the pause following new and substantial archaeological findings at the four other training sites. Lujan said the military was not surprised by his actions because discussions have been ongoing.

"I'm hoping that within the 45 days consultation period so to speak that we can have a resolution and they would be in agreement with the call for resurvey if not then as stated in the letter that it will go to the advisory council for determination," he said. 

Lujan said no contracts for construction will be signed until the resurvey is completed. He says this will eliminate any potential conflicts and the destruction of historic properties.