For years, Manglona, R-Rota, has pushed for the hiring of a project manager to oversee 702 funded projects in the first senatorial district.
Villagomez assured Manglona a Rota project manager would be assigned before the end of October.
“This is great news for Rota,” said Manglona. “I have written numerous letters over the past several years asking that Rota be assigned a CIP manager to make sure our projects are seen through to completion. Having a point of contact for our Rota projects will provide much needed accountability. I understand that often projects are stalled because of government bureaucracy, but the delegation just doesn’t have time or resources to stay on top of every agency responsible for carrying out these projects. This new position should ensure that projects are completed in a timely manner.”
During the meeting it was disclosed that $8.2 million in 702 funding is available for Rota infrastructure.
Villagomez stated that unused funds obligated prior to 2004 will be pooled and reprogrammed.
The Rota delegation and mayor’s office will be conferred with as to how best to make use of these funds.
“While I am disappointed that past projects have sat idle, I am very pleased to know that the delegation will be consulted regarding the use of these available, pooled funds,” said Manglona.
“Important infrastructure projects such as power generation, collateral equipment at the health center and new public school facilities are urgently needed on Rota. It is vital that we move forward with these projects as soon as possible and I look forward to working with the new project manager to get these going,” he added.
The meeting concluded with the decision to have Villagomez and Stump work with the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. for the immediate reprogramming of approximately $769,000 of available funding for the procurement of a bucket truck and parts needed to rehabilitate CUC engines on Rota, including the 2.5-megawatt Mitsui engine.
