The territorial governors met earlier in the day with senior White House, congressional and government agency officials for the Interagency Group on Insular Areas hosted by the U.S. Interior Department.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero pointed out two particular concerns: She said the language in the federal “digital equity act” excludes non-states, and requested that the law be amended so that territories can also benefit from the proposed $2.75 billion broadband expansion program.

Leon Guerrero also requested to change the formula for the Airport infrastructure grant program. The governor said beginning in 2024 the formula for determining awards will use Fiscal Year 2022 enplanements. But that would mean Guam’s number would be very low because of the drastic plunge in visitor arrivals from our main tourism markets.