“The extension of the comment period from 45 days to 90 days will assure the interests of the citizens of Guam are fully represented in the study,” a press release from the Navy stated.
Gov. Felix P. Camacho said he was “very grateful” for the Navy’s decision, but acknowledged that “it also means that there’s a lot of work ahead for us to review such a technical document — thousands of pages long.”
“We currently have a group that’s working with us in trying to summarize the key points that can then direct us of where we need to focus,” the governor said, referring to the Matrix Group.
Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo learned of the comment period extension during her meeting with Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, Jr. in her office on Capitol Hill.
“I appreciate the Navy’s response to our concerns regarding the public comment period,” Bordallo said. “I appreciate the efforts taken by this new administration to address Guam’s needs for the build-up, and I look forward to working with Secretary Mabus and the Obama Administration on these issues.”
Roger Natsuhara, acting assistant secretary of the Navy for Installations and environment, brought the news to the governor about the extension of the comment period for the impact study that will be released to the public on Nov. 20.
