The Consolidated Commission on Utilities discussed the Guam Waterworks Authority’s involvement in the new medical campus in Mangilao. GWA plays a key role in developing the infrastructure to support it.

At the center of Tuesday's work session discussion was Resolution 17 FY-2025, seeking approval to amend an existing indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract. The amendment, valued at approximately $726,000, will bring the total contract value up to nearly $3.6 million.

The funds will cover topographic surveys, utility corridor planning, and biological and archaeological studies for the hospital site and off-site infrastructure.

GWA general manager Miguel Bordallo assured the commission that the funding is secure, stating, “We won’t execute the change order until we’ve confirmed that we have the funds in hand...I don’t think it’s going to be a problem for this small amount.”

GWA is utilizing American Rescue Plan grant funds provided by the Governor’s Office and coordinating with the Guam Power Authority to ensure the hospital's utility needs are met. However, commission chairman Francis Santos emphasizes the need for a memorandum of agreement to define agency roles and responsibilities.

“I just don’t want, again, to be in the press doing a media war with the AG over something that we’re not really; I don’t want to say in control of, but we’re a party to this project and we should have, quite honestly, had this MOA in place before we actually entertain it at all," he shared with fellow commissioners.

GWA’s preliminary work aligns with ARPA expenditure deadlines, aiming for completion by 2026.

And while delays due to uncertainties about the hospital’s location have occurred in the past, the commission is confident the project will move forward smoothly once the MOA is finalized.