By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

A RECORD $345 million in military construction money may be headed Guam’s way if President Bush’s 2008 budget passes Congress.
The amount is four times bigger than what Guam received in fiscal year 2005 for military construction.
Moreover, the $345 million in funding for Guam represents a 56 percent increase in military construction funding over the level of funding in 2007.
“The strategic value of Guam continues to be reflected in Department of Defense budgets,” Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo said, reacting to the proposed Bush budget.
She said the significant increase in military construction funding for Guam will allow local contractors to ramp up preparations in anticipation of the major requirements associated with the relocation of 8,000 Marines from Okinawa.
“This is a harbinger of the economic opportunities on the horizon and the need for Guam to train its labor force and prepare for the future,” Bordallo said.
Guam-specific projects in the president’s 2008 budget include:
* $102 million for the extension of Kilo Wharf in Naval Base Guam;
* $59 million for the hardening of Naval Base electrical systems;
* $57 million for Navy family housing;
* $45 million for a new Navy fitness center;
* $41 million for wastewater treatment plant repairs and upgrade;
* $31 million for potable water distribution system (Phase I); and
* $10 million for the Northwest Field infrastructure upgrade at Andersen Air Force Base.
“This budget includes investments in family housing and quality of life facilities that will make Guam an even better tour of duty for the sailors and their families at Naval Base Guam,” Bordallo said.
She also stressed that the military’s increased investment on Guam represents increased economic opportunities for the residents of the island.
The president’s 2008 budget has already been submitted to Congress. The construction projects must now be both authorized and given funding appropriation by Congress, a process that usually is completed by October.
Bordallo said she will work to ensure the inclusion of these proposed projects in the defense authorization and appropriations bills.