Previous Story
Fifth round of talks on Guam buildup
|
Posted on Jul 29 2008
The Joint Guam Program Office is holding its fifth round of “partnering sessions” with environmental regulatory agencies this week.
The three-day partnering sessions kicked off on Saipan yesterday, with an aim to update the agencies on the status of the Guam military buildup master planning as related to the environmental impact studies.
Addressing the participants yesterday, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial described as a “monumental process” the planned transfer of some 8,000 Marines and military dependents into Guam and the Northern Marianas.
Fitail underscored the importance of close coordination among U.S. military agencies and many different federal agencies, as well as with state and local agencies.
“In planning and preparing for this major relocation of U.S. troops, the federal and local and state governments must work together to help minimize the adverse environmental impacts of this giant undertaking. We must work to minimize social disruptions and maximize economic opportunities. We must plan intelligently to reduce social and environmental costs, while maximizing economic benefits for the region,” he said.
Fitial also said the military buildup in the Marianas “represents the best hope for a sustained economic recovery for our islands.” He noted that the buildup is expected to bring in at least $11 billion in capital infusion over the next several years.
Agencies in the partnering sessions include the Coastal Resources Management, the Division of Environmental Quality, the Historic Preservation Office, and the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
The sessions will continue at Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan today before moving to Tinian tomorrow.
