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Governor makes federal case to prioritize Guam's needs in FY2010 budget
July 17, 2008
(Washington DC) Governor Felix P. Camacho officially submitted a $237.8 million budget request for the Guam Buildup to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The budget proposal, presented directly to OMB Director Jim Nussle requests $237.8 million from various federal executive branch departments and agencies for inclusion in the FY 2010 Presidential Budget request to the United States Congress.
"It is unrealistic for any U.S. community to plan for, fund and manage unfunded federal mandates imposed by the bi-lateral agreement within the aggressive timeline without assistance from the U.S. Government," said Governor Camacho. "Our budget request will do much to improve our seaport, roads, utilities, schools, health care systems and public safety programs to sustain an acceptable quality of life for both the civilian and military communities for years to come."
The requested FY 2010 funds are intended to finance infrastructure improvements that include new water wells, reservoir repairs, modernization of the Port Authority of Guam, transportation infrastructure and workforce enhancement and expansion.
The breakdown of the Guam Buildup Budget is as follows:
a) Infrastructure $169,867,831
b) Labor $28,796,961
c) Economic Development $12,181,562
d) Public Safety $8,703,306
e) Health & Social Services $5,385,320
f) Natural Resources $3,497,039
g) Education $3,222,213
h) Ports & Customs $3,020,005
i) Environment $2,205,127
j) Housing $751,734
k) Social & Cultural $225,000
Total $237,856,098
Director Nussle assured Governor Camacho that the FY2010 Budget submission will get the full consideration from OMB. The OMB Director said the Guam Buildup already has received support from Cabinet officials including Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt.
Governor Camacho invited Director Nussle and Edna Falk Curtin of the OMB National Security Division to visit Guam to further discuss the impacts of current and future federal budget processes that will assist the military relocation.
"The government of Guam does not have the revenue needed to support the military buildup and ensure long-term sustainability," Governor Camacho said. "Guam must be given the support and resources needed to address the needs of our growing community and the mission of the U.S. Marine Corps."
Later today, Governor Camacho will attend a reception as part of the National Commemoration of the Liberation of Guam, the Battle for the Northern Marianas and the War in the Pacific being hosted by Guam Congresswoman Bordallo at the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill wrapping up a three-day visit to Washington DC.
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