January 29, 2010
In an effort to minimize impacts related to the relocation of the U.S Marines to Guam and to ensure that the buildup is implemented properly, Governor Felix P. Camacho yesterday sent a
letter to United States Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus requesting the Guam buildup be delayed.
“I believe that a request for an extension would help lessen the impact of the military buildup on Guam. In fact, during our village workshop on Jan. 20, I expressed my intention to ask the United States to consider extending their deadline for the buildup. The extension will greatly impact every area of public concern. It will lessen the pressure currently being placed on our people to accommodate a significant influx in our population,” said Gov. Camacho.
In the letter, Governor Camacho wrote “I humbly request that all actions related to the Guam Military Buildup Program be delayed to beyond 2014 to protect the unit integrity of the III Marine Expeditionary Force and ensure that impacts are minimized to our island infrastructure and socioeconomic services.”
He further reiterated that the Guam International Agreement mandates the U.S. to take necessary measures for the relocation of the U.S. Marines including funding for facilities on Guam.
“Article 2 of the Guam International Agreement clearly states that the U.S. shall take necessary measures for the re-location of the U.S. Marines, including funding for projects to develop facilities on Guam. In order to ensure that the Guam Military Buildup Program is fully implemented as planned, I ask that the Adaptive Program Techniques, identified in the DEIS, be used to extend the construction phase of the program. Use of the Adaptive Program Techniques will enable Guam to be better prepared for the impacts associated with Marine relocation while protecting the unit integrity of the III Marine Expeditionary Force. I believe that this request is consistent with the Guam International Agreement signed by U.S Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Japan Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone on February 17, 2009," said Gov. Camacho.”
