Senators were back in session today discussing a measure that would appropriate $7-million to the Guam Department of Education to cover costs to rebuild Simon Sanchez high and lease a temporary campus.

Bill 321 states the funding would come from unappropriated and unencumbered excess FY 2024 general fund revenues.

Lester Carlson, Director of the Bureau of Budget and Management Research, admitted to senators the cost alone for the proposed temporary campus in Tumon is much higher.

“The amount that we are looking for is $12 million for the initial build out and occupancy. So we facilitate the procurement. Senator Barnett asked if I am talking about the Tumon Mall and the answer is yes. Estimated $1.50 a square foot. The mall is 90,446 square feet. The common area and parking area is included. That boils down to 136,000 a month, $1.6 million a year, and over the term of the three years that the temporary facility will be envisioned to be necessary the rental cost will be $4-million, 884,000 and change,” said Carlson.

Carlson added if FEMA approves the temporary campus, then the Government of Guam will be able to use the $2.5 million local match from the Mawar account where he confirms $33 million in excess funding is available.