Drivers and residents across Guam know the frustration—cones in the road, detours with little warning, and projects that seem to stretch on without answers. Now, lawmakers are taking a closer look at how the Department of Public Works keeps the public informed, with a new bill aimed at putting every major road and infrastructure project in one place—online, updated, and easy to track.

Lawmakers heard testimony Tuesday on a proposal that would require DPW to regularly inform the public about roadwork and other infrastructure projects through its website. Bill author, Speaker Frank Blas, Jr. said, "It's relatively a very simple act and what it would provide is that we direct dpw to be able to provide a listing if you will, of any of the projects that they have ongoing, in the queue or completed."

Bill 172-38, is aimed at improving transparency and accountability, while also giving DPW a platform to highlight the work being done across the island. DPW director Vincent Arriola said he supports the intent of the bill, saying, "When I first saw the bill, we have weekly meetings, and I just spoke about this about two weeks ago. I said we need to have closure of our projects and a better timeline because like you I get stuck in traffic."

The hearing also turned into a progress check on other DPW-related projects. Senator Therese Terlaje asked about the long-vacant former Department of Public Health and Social Services building in Mangilao, closed since a 2019 electrical fire.

"I think we're still in  a design phase. I think there's a 60% design, that was turned in sometime in December, and Public Health and GCC are still looking at some of the design features that have been incorporated. I think the drop dead date is in march or april for full design submission," she said.

Terlaje also pressed for answers on the renovated homeless shelter in Anigua. Arriola confirmed the project has been completed and turned over to the government, but acknowledged security issues after reports of break-ins. When asked why the facility is still not operating despite homelessness concerns in Hagåtña, Arriola said the decision to open the shelter falls outside DPW’s authority.