PAG in a statement Monday said although it plans to perform much-needed repairs to the poorly maintained facility, it is still in the process of securing funding for such repairs.
The announcement came as a result of news of the dilapidated structure going public, with tenants and visitors to the marina raising concerns to Port officials and over talk radio earlier this week.
Some of the concerns include unsafe ramps, inadequate lighting, exposed rusted rebar, and serious deterioration of the road leading to the marina, among others.
Although commercial tours are still using the pier, vehicles are no longer allowed on the pier for fear of it caving in. Pallets are currently being used in place of missing pier structures.
“The Port Authority of Guam has been working diligently to secure funding for the repairs of Dock A at the Agat Marina,” a statement read from Pedro Leon Guerrero Jr., PAG general manager.
Leon Guerrero said a $250,000 grant was previously submitted to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commission on Fisheries and recently received notification that PAG has been awarded the grant.
“We are now awaiting final notification so that we can begin to issue out the procurement packages for the repairs,” he said.
The Agat Marina is owned and run by PAG and the Port pays for all of the utilities, supplies and employee salaries associated with operations and maintenance of the facility, Leon Guerrero said.
The Port anticipates to generate annually about $195,000 for boat slip fees and $47,000 in rental income from JanZ’s, a concession located at the marina, Leon Guerrero said, which will then be used to pay for utilities, salaries, benefits, administration, security and maintenance to the facility.
“Depending on the year and how much we have to spend on repairs, we sometimes generate a marginal income but often break even or in the worse case, we have a loss with regards to the funds taken in and the amount we expend in order to maintain the facility,” said Leon Guerrero.
PAG board member Dan Tydingco said that in addition to federal funding, PAG is developing a budget for the upcoming fiscal year for maintenance of the marina.
In the meantime, Tydingco said the marina facilities’ personnel have been asked to do an assessment. He said PAG is currently waiting on the status report on existing conditions at the Agat Marina.
Tydingco also said Gov. Eddie Calvo has instructed PAG to ensure Agat Marina recreational users are kept safe and that the marina be upgraded and updated properly.
