Two years since category 4 Typhoon Mawar hit Guam, the greatest unmet need remains housing.

While the most critical is the island’s only public hospital. 

This is according to a draft action plan published by GHURA for their $500.8 million Community Block Development Grant - Disaster Recovery Fund “Fix In Six” program. 

GHURA Deputy Director Fernando Esteves outlines the activities in development during their first public hearing. 

“Right now we are looking at Phase I, which will prioritize the substantial rehabilitation of homes damaged by Typhoon Mawar and may include mitigation features such as concrete roofing where feasible,” said Esteves. 

The largest chunk of the funds, some $209 million, or 41% is proposed for housing needs, such as helping residents rebuild their homes, constructing affordable multi-family rental housing and accessory dwelling units. 

“This will be a constant planning activity, especially with the challenging construction environment on Guam. But our end state goal is that we are not returning a dollar,” added Esteves. 

$60 million is earmarked for the A/E design of the new Guam Memorial Hospital. 

But GMH Administrator and CEO Lillian Perez Posadas underscored a dual need to keep the current hospital operational as they wait for a new hospital to be built. 

“I would be remiss if I don’t stand up and advocate for our current hospital. We submitted in April our application for some assistance to keep the hospital really operational. It is a public hospital so it is a public facility and we do have some damages from Mawar that we are continuously repairing and fixing,” said Posadas. 

Esteves says GMH will have an opportunity to request funding under the infrastructure and public facilities category, where $108.8 million is available. 

Meantime, other priorities over the next six years include administration, planning, economic revitalization and mitigation. 

At this hour, GHURA is hosting their second public hearing on the "Fix in Six" program at the Hagat Mayor's Office Community Center until 7 p.m.

Their third and last public hearing is set for Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Yigo gym.