Retired Maj. Gen. David Bice, the executive director of the Joint Guam Program Office, said a “one Guam approach” will be used to address all the concerns of residents and local officials on the buildup which involves relocating 8,600 U.S. Marines and their estimated 9,000 dependents from Okinawa, Japan to Guam.
“This buildup is a catalyst for Guam and will bring unprecedented opportunities for the community. [W]e have over $1 billion in the bank to begin awarding contracts,” Bice said in his speech on Thursday before the joint meeting of four Rotary Club chapters on island.
“Next week, we will be meeting here in Guam with our GOJ colleagues to talk about funding for next year’s projects. Guam-based firms have been very competitive in winning build-up contracts,” he added.
He said Washington wants to see Guam and CNMI workers get the first priority for jobs that will be created by the buildup.
“We want to see Guam workers get first choice and will work with contractors to ensure they too look to Guam first for their workforce. The buildup also provides opportunities for the regional economy and CNMI business/workers will also benefit,” he said.
