The clock is ticking on more than a $100 million in federal funds for Guam’s power and water systems. Governor Lou Leon Guerrero is calling on lawmakers to act quickly – but it’s up to the legislature to decide.

The governor has formally asked Speaker Frank Blas Jr. to call an emergency session to take up Bill 2 (1-s) – a measure that would let the Guam Power Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority move forward on utility upgrades in Mangilao and Barrigada using $104 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds.

In a letter to the speaker, the governor said she’s acted “in good faith” and followed all U.S. Treasury rules.  She also acknowledged concerns from both the speaker and Attorney General Doug Moylan, who questioned whether spending the funds would commit Guam to building a new hospital in Mangilao.

The governor maintains it would not – adding that Treasury doesn’t give case-by-case approvals but expects jurisdictions to ensure their own compliance.  She said the attorney general has had the chance to present a counterargument but “has not done so to date.”

Under federal rules, the funds must be obligated by the end of this year and spent by 2026.  The governor says without legislative action, Guam risks forfeiting those dollars.

Speaker Blas has not yet announced whether he’ll call an emergency session to address Bill 2 (1-s).