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<home> -- <press releases> News from Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo Government Accountability Office Issues Report on Financing Off-Base Projects for Military Build-Up FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 13, 2009 – Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo announced today that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report examining the Government of Guam’s infrastructure preparations for the realignment of military forces to Guam. The military build-up on Guam will require significant improvements, expansion and modernization of Guam’s infrastructure. The GAO report examined the Government of Guam’s plans to meet these new demands, concluding that communication between the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Government of Guam was vital to accurate planning. While the Government of Guam faces significant challenges in financing off base projects, the GAO also reported that “Guam’s ability to finance needed infrastructure projects could improve because of potentially improved local economic conditions as the military buildup continues.” Congresswoman Bordallo will be meeting with Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to discuss Guam’s infrastructure needs on Monday, November 16, 2009. The Congresswoman will raise issues highlighted by this GAO report with the Secretary. In particular, the Congresswoman will be discussing federal support for port modernization, continued roadway improvements, and deployment of NextGen aviation technology at the Guam International Airport. The full GAO report can be read online at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d1090r.pdf “This report highlights the need for continued cooperation between the Department of Defense and the Government of Guam,” Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo said today. “The GAO concluded that when the Department of Defense and other federal agencies including the Federal Highway Administration, has closely consulted with GovGuam, as it did to develop the 2030 Guam Transportation Plan, Guam has been able to develop clear and well reasoned plans for off base development. We must ensure that these collaborations continue through all available forums. I appreciate the Obama Administration’s continued high-level focus and attention to getting the military build-up on Guam right. However, I continue to impress the importance of having an Economic Adjustment Committee meeting to address financing of major civilian infrastructure needs at the federal level. The President and my colleagues in Congress are committed to the success of the build-up, both in and outside the fences.” # # # matthew.mateo@mail.house.gov or derek.mandell@mail.house.gov |
