THE Fuetsan Famalao’an urges all residents of Guam, Government of Guam agencies, and private and non-profit organizations to attend an April 3 public meeting and submit oral or written testimonies on issues which should be considered in an environmental impact study to be done on the potential impacts of the relocation of 8,000 troops to Guam, a media release said.
Comments will be used in determining the scope of the impact study, identify specific issues for consideration, and information related to site alternatives.
According to the Federal Register dated March 7, 2007, the Department of the Navy has issued a notice of intent which states:
“Notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement /Overseas Environmental Impact Statement for the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps forces to Guam, enhancement of infrastructure and logistic capabilities, improvement of pier/waterfront infrastructure for transient U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carrier at Naval Base Guam, and placement of U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Defense Task Force in Guam.”
The public scoping meetings are scheduled on Guam on Tuesday, April 3, 2007, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saipan, Wednesday, April 4, 2007, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and Tinian, Thursday, April 5, 2007, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The locations of the meetings are to be determined.
In light of the magnitude of the military activities intended for Guam, Fuetsan Famalao’an is disappointed that the people of Guam were not informed sooner of this opportunity to voice their concerns. They hope that the late notice will not lessen the accuracy or extent of the comments received, and that future opportunities will be openly announced by military, congressional, and local officials.
“It is imperative that residents of Guam have the opportunity to provide maximum input on the impact from the relocation of personnel, training activities, a nuclear aircraft carrier, missile defense task force operations, and equipment to Guam,” Fuetsan Famalao’an said.
According to the group, the notice was discovered on the Federal Register, and lists Captain Lee of the Joint Guam Program Office as the person to contact to submit testimony. His number is 339-6156.
Fuetsan Famalao’an is a voluntary non-partisan group of concerned citizens committed to the inclusion of the needs and concerns of girls and women in official plans for increased militarization on Guam. You may contact them at fuetsanfamalaoan@gmail.com.