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Rota lawmakers want action on long-delayed gymnasium
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Posted on Feb 09 2009
Members of the Rota Legislative Delegation yesterday met with Public School System officials and administrators where they discussed the much-delayed construction of a gymnasium that will serve the three schools on Rota.
Sen. Paul Manglona, along with delegation members, called the school officials’ attention and the respective PTAs on Rota to once and for all determine the factors that are delaying the project.
“This project has been delayed for many years…and we’re wondering why?” he told Saipan Tribune moments after the meeting on Rota yesterday.
Manglona disclosed that Rota students are deprived of a safe and proper facility for their sports and outdoor activities.
“The money is there…the plan is complete. But it’s not moving even an inch. We want to ask PSS and BOE what took them so long to build this project here on Rota?” he asked.
The senator said that in order to stimulate the economy on island, better facilities would also need to be constructed.
Rota is optimistic that the military buildup in Guam would economically benefit the island.
Present at yesterday’s meeting were BOE member Tanya King, PSS CIP coordinator David Loan, PTA officials from three schools, principals and administrators.
Manglona disclosed that nearly $900,000 is available for the Rota gymnasium, which has been damaged by a typhoon seven years ago.
These funds were sourced from Public Law 16-24, which earmarks $250,000 for the school project and $540,000 that’s approved by local lawmakers under Rota legislative resolution 15-12. In addition, the senator said some $300,000 is still available from FEMA funds that could also be used for the gym project.
After the meeting, Manglona said they are elated at the positive turnout of the “negotiation.”
“PSS, through the CIP coordinator, has promised to hire professional services to move this project,” he said, acknowledging the “limited” manpower at PSS as a result of budget constraints.
Other school projects such as leaking roofs and collateral classroom equipment for other schools on island were discussed by participants.
