Housing and hospital expansion projects in Guam could be realized using under-utilized federal programs; Secretary Jackson will visit Guam
February 28, 2008
(Washington DC) Governor Felix P. Camacho today met with Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson, who identified federal programs within his agency that can be used for worker housing, healthcare facilities and other capital needs to improve the community.
Secretary Jackson also committed to visiting Guam at the Governor's invitation. The Secretary said he will visit sometime over the next two months to understand better the future housing impact and how the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can assist.
Their meeting was held to discuss the Guam Buildup's impact on the island's housing industry. The meeting was facilitated through a request by Chairman of the Civilian/Military Task Force and Lieutenant Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D., who will meet with Secretary Jackson next month in Washington, D.C.
Governor Camacho was joined in the meeting by Executive Director of the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority Ron De Guzman.
Governor Camacho explained his concern to Secretary Jackson that housing needs are climbing and support is needed, especially considering the normal growth rate of the community, the influx of Marines and their dependents and the addition of a projected 15,000 construction workers.
Governor Camacho also asked Secretary Jackson for program support to improve healthcare facilities in Guam. The Secretary identified programs within HUD that can be used in collaboration with the private sector to address critical needs of the growing Guam population, worker housing and the delivery of healthcare to those workers.
"These discussions with top federal officials are bringing innovative solutions to the challenges we are working to resolve," Governor Camacho said. "Lt. Governor Cruz and I will continue working with Secretary Jackson to take advantage of these resources and to ensure our people's quality of life and opportunities toward homeownership improve. I was encouraged by his interest in the Guam Buildup and his commitment to ensure that HUD is a major partner in the success of the program."
Governor Camacho wrapped up his six-day trip to Washington D.C. attending the annual U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. The Governor gave an update on the sustained conservation advances from the Marine Preserve Program and the island's involvement in the Micronesian Challenge, spearheaded by Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force coordinates U.S. government actions to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. The Task Force is co-chaired by the 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.
Governor Camacho on Thursday will attend the quarterly meeting of the Federal Regional Council in San Francisco. The meeting will provide the FRC with the needs assessment for federal budgeting into the Fiscal Year 2010 process. The meeting also will feature related detailed presentations by the Civilian/Military Task Force subcommittee chairmen on infrastructure, health and education, socio-economic improvements, labor and natural resources.
