The Guam Waterworks Authority is seeking approval from the Consolidated Commission On Utilities to authorize the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for water and wastewater infrastructure installation for Mangilao and to support the new medical campus.

A resolution before the CCU would allow GWA to enter into a subgrant agreement with the Guam Economic Development Authority for the project.

“As the board is aware, GPA is in the process of executing a similar agreement for the power infrastructure required to support Mangilao and surrounding areas. This is a similar resolution,” explained Miguel Bordallo, GWA General Manager.

He said the project is a critically important and time-sensitive initiative.

The project costs $62.9 million and, like the $35.4 million power infrastructure project, the funding expires on December 31st, 2026. Bordallo is unsure if the agency will meet the looming deadline.

“That gives us our anticipated completion date. It’s a very difficult timeline. We are not sure at this point if we can get all of it done, but we intend to structure it–the design and structure packages–such that we can get as much of it done as possible within that funding restriction deadline,” he said.

The resolution states the project is “crucial to meet the projected growth in Mangilao to ensure reliable potable water and wastewater services are available to support the possibility of a new public hospital, public health, the economy and the environment.”

The project entails the development of an offsite water system, including well design, well construction, water line extensions, storage tanks and a pumping system.

This is to meet the Mangilao medical campus’ water demand, which was calculated as double Guam Memorial Hospital’s current water consumption, with the sewer load estimated to be 90% of the water demand.

But before the CCU approves the resolution, they want the specific term “medical campus” removed, presumably as a loophole to avoid potential repercussions from ongoing litigation.

As reported, commissioners were concerned after the attorney general warned the utility agency against using ARP monies obligated to the governor’s new hospital as the issue is before the court.

GPA ended up removing the term from their project and GWA is expected to follow suit.