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Guam’s FAS population increases |
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U.S. Census Bureau shares findings of 2008 survey
March 4, 2009
Governor Felix P. Camacho was informed that, between 2003 and 2008, Guam saw an increase of residents from the Freely Associated States (FAS), according to the preliminary findings of a recent U.S. Census Bureau survey. The 2008 Compact of Free Associations (COFA) Migrants survey was conducted in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa and Hawaii.
Results of the COFA survey show that 56% of FAS migrants, within the four jurisdictions, reside in Guam. Since 2003, Guam’s population of FAS residents increased by 80%, and is now at 18,305.
"This is a significant development that will assist our efforts in complying with the federal law which, under the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Compact Impact aid program, allocates millions of dollars to Guam," said Governor Camacho. "We can now address this issue with Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and take the appropriate steps in reimbursing our government for costs associated with providing public services to Guam’s FAS residents."
The survey, funded by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), takes place every five years and reevaluates the distribution of the annual $30M in Compact Impact funding given to the four jurisdictions. Guam will likely see an increase in funding because of the rise in its FAS population; however, the final amount has not been released by the DOI.
In Guam, the COFA survey was conducted and completed by the Bureau of Statistics and Plans, the University of Guam, the Guam Department of Labor and the Census Bureau, between November and December of 2008.
"I commend our Government of Guam agencies for their diligence and professionalism with the Guam survey," said Governor Camacho. "Their efforts have produced vital information on the eve of the 2010 Census."
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35 School Buses Acquired from the U.S. Department of Defense |
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Buses will travel from U.S. Naval Base to Public Works
March 02, 2009
First Lady Joann Camacho, together with the General Services Agency (GSA) and the U.S. Department of Defense, has coordinated efforts to acquire 35 school buses for the Department of Public Works (DPW). The total estimated value of the buses is $1.9M. The acquisition was made possible through the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO) and the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS) program.
“I am pleased that after months of effort, we have secured these buses that will be used to safely transport our public school students,” said First Lady Camacho. “This is a great example of working together to meet the needs of our community. I am grateful for the work everyone put into the project.”
The 35 buses will depart from the U.S Naval Base Guam in Santa Rita and travel along Marine Corps Drive. They are expected to arrive at the DPW compound in Upper Tumon at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2009.
There are approximately 150 DRMO offices around the world. They receive, screen and classify all property turned in by military services. Any property that is not reutilized by another Department of Defense installation, or transferred to another federal or state agency, is transferred to local governments or other qualifying organizations. Last year, GSA, through the DRMO process, secured over $300,000 in items and equipment for the government of Guam.
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Guam Federal Funding Strategy Discussed in Washington D.C. |
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Governor Camacho calls for “Plan of Action for the Future” regarding Guam Military Buildup Program
February 28, 2009
(Washington D.C.) Governor Felix P. Camacho, in a meeting chaired by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, urged Federal Executive Branch representatives to quickly address the funding needs of the Guam Military Buildup Program.
Officials discussed the funding strategies for FY2010, FY2011 and the leveraging of existing programs. In July of 2008, Governor Camacho presented a budget proposal of $237.8 million to then-OMB Director Jim Nussle for inclusion in the FY 2010 presidential budget request.
“While the needs of 2011 are in front of us, we cannot forget that 2010 is the number one priority,” said Governor Camacho. “This meeting should result in a plan of action for the future; one that will assist a loyal American community in Guam.”
The funding strategy meeting also included Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo, C.N.M.I Delegate Greg Sablan, members of the House Subcommittee on Insular Areas, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Installations BJ Penn, the Joint Guam Program Office and representatives of eight Executive Branch departments and agencies.
Earlier this week, in an annual meeting of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas, Governor Camacho reminded Interior Secretary Ken Salazar that Guam should sit as an equal partner in negotiating the $15 billion Guam Military Buildup Program.
“This is our one time to get it right,” said Governor Camacho. “I am here to say that there must be fairness to the people of Guam who accept this responsibility of hosting the Marines and being the tip of the military spear in the Asia Pacific region.”
Last week, the U.S. Secretary of State and Foreign Minister of Japan reaffirmed their commitment to the Guam Military Buildup Program through the Guam International Agreement. The agreement called for a new phase in cooperation to reduce the pressure on Okinawa and provide the basis for enhanced public support.
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Acting Governor Cruz Signs Bill 51 |
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February 27, 2009
Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D., today signed Bill 51 into Public Law 30-1. Bill 51, in its original form, was submitted by the Governor nearly two weeks ago with the intent of presenting the most viable options to comply with the consent decree to close the Ordot Dump and open a new landfill.
After a detailed briefing from the Governor’s legal counsel and financial advisors, the Acting Governor signed the bill despite concerns.
“After decades of delay, I signed Bill 51 because closing the Ordot dump requires decisive action,” said Acting Governor Cruz. “I fully understand it may be a challenge to use the financing option authorized in this bill to meet the court order. However, Bill 51 is a step towards achieving and complying with the consent decree.”
The act signed into law contains a provision which would make it illegal for the government to comply with the court ordered payments using the transfer of government revenue. An amendment made to the bill by Senator Benjamin Cruz prevents any government official from paying money to the landfill’s consent decree without legislative approval. The administration will await guidance from the Attorney General’s office before complying with the court ordered disbursement of 1 million dollars a week.
“In spite of our concerns, both the legislative and executive branches of our government are working together to comply with the court’s requirements,” said Acting Governor Cruz.
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Guam Public Schools Will Not Lose Power |
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Officials work together to pay GPSS power bill and ensure students stay in school
February 27, 2009
Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz today led a meeting with public school officials, Department of Administration, Guam Power Authority and the government’s fiscal team to prevent the disconnection of power to Guam’s public schools.
“This is about 31,000 students. We will not send them home because their school could not pay the power bill,” said Acting Governor Cruz. “I’ve called a meeting with GPSS and DOA officials and members of our fiscal team to figure out how we can fix this and prevent it from happening again.”
Consolidated Commission on Utilities Chairman, Simon Sanchez, participated in the meeting via telephone and was in agreement with the payment schedule proposed by GPSS, DOA and the government’s fiscal team. To resolve prior year obligations, GPSS will be requesting legislative permission, as required by law, to pay past debt to GPA. Moving forward, GPSS and senior members of the administration will continue to monitor the cash flow needs of the education system and better communicate any area of concern before it become critical.
“We recognize that our government’s funds are tight right now and the need will be mindful of how we spend money from the general fund,” said Superintendent Schafer. “On behalf of the thousands of public school students, I thank the Acting Governor and Chairman Sanchez whose leadership and cooperation helped us avoid a crisis.”
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Task Force Called a “Great Ally” in the Effort to Preserve Guam Reef Ecosystems |
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Governor Camacho testifies on a Congressional measure codifying the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force
February 26, 2009
(Washington D.C.) Governor Felix P. Camacho today called on the U.S. House of Representatives to codify the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRT) and to reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000. Governor Camacho, a task force member, testified on H.R. 860 or the Coral Reef Conservation Act Reauthorization and Enhancement Amendments of 2009, heard before the House Subcommittee on Insular Areas, Oceans and Wildlife chaired by Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo.
Created by Presidential Executive Order in 1998, the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force coordinates U.S. government actions to better preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. The task force is co-chaired by the U.S. Departments of Commerce and of the Interior, and includes leaders of 12 federal agencies, seven U.S. states and territories, and three freely associated states.
“For Guam, the task force has been a great ally in the struggle to preserve our reefs,” said Governor Camacho. “And this relationship has become even more important as our island works to accommodate the military buildup expected to hugely increase our population and drive significant development around Guam.”
Governor Camacho testified that the bill would provide for additional funding for coral conservation programs and will help provide Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Freely Associated States and the States of Florida and Hawaii with the much needed resources to continue important coral management and research. He also called on Congress to give a greater portion of the nation’s coral programs to the U.S. Department of the Interior, which would allow for task force members to receive more direct funding. |
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Governor Camacho Attends President Obama’s Address to Congress |
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February 25, 2009
(Washington D.C.) Governor Felix P. Camacho today was a guest of Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo during President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress.
“I appreciate Congresswoman Bordallo’s invitation to be a part of this historical occasion,” said Governor Camacho. “President Obama gave an inspirational speech regarding this critical time for our nation. He identified the challenges our country faces but also called on the spirit that defines the American people.”
In the midst of the nation’s economic crisis, the President reminded the audience that the American people never quit and that they are equal to the tasks before them.
“The President’s message reminds us all that we love our country and we are a people who want to succeed,” said Governor Camacho. “I agree with the President that this will be a defining moment for our country and future generations will look back and see that this time marked the beginning of our economic recovery.”
“Like President Obama, I believe our people’s spirit will not only allow our island to survive these harsh economic times, but also thrive toward a brighter future,” said Governor Camacho.
Governor Camacho attended the annual State Dinner at the White House on Sunday evening. On Monday, Governor Camacho joined governors from across the nation for a visit with President Obama. The Governor spent part of Tuesday (Wednesday, Guam Time) in meetings with the Pacific Basin Development Council (PBDC) and the Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA), chaired by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. |
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Governor Camacho Attends IGIA Meeting |
Governor asks Interior Secretary to support increased federal assistance for Guam Military Buildup and an extension on the implementation of the Guam-CNMI Visa Wavier Program February 25, 2009  (Washington D.C.) Governor Felix P. Camacho today asked the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior for assistance with implementation of the Guam Military Buildup Program and the extension of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Governor Camacho addressed Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and about 80 representatives from executive branch agencies in the annual plenary session of the Interagency Group on Insular Areas. Governor Camacho told Secretary Salazar that the Government of Guam understands the immediate needs of the island as a result of the “U.S.-Japan Alliance: Transformation and Realignment for the Future” entered into by the United States and Japan in 2005 and the Guam International Agreement, which was recently ratified by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of State and the Foreign Minister of Japan. “The Government of Guam is seeking assistance from the White House, U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Defense for direct appropriations and technical support of the Executive Branch Agencies. This will help ensure the success of the Guam Military Buildup Program,” said Governor Camacho. The Governor shared with the IGIA that it is unrealistic for any U.S. community to plan for, fund and manage unfunded federal mandates that were imposed by a bi-lateral agreement within an aggressive timeline without assistance from the U.S. Government. “We are confident that with the Fiscal Year 2010 budget request and future funding requests, much can be done to improve our seaport, roads, utilities, schools, health care systems and public safety programs,” said Governor Camacho. “The Government of Guam also asked the IGIA to develop a network of authorities, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations to be incorporated into the Guam Military Buildup Program to help carry out the objective and polices of the Government of Guam, U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Marine Corps.” Additionally, Governor Camacho expressed that the regulations creating the Guam CNMI Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will fall short of “expanding the tourism economy of the CNMI,” by cutting the tourist markets of China and Russia effective June 1, 2009. “With a favorable visa waiver program, Guam’s number one industry can grow and contribute significantly to the infrastructure investments that are required to support future development,” said Governor Camacho. |
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A Message from the Governor of Guam
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