Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo has reminded Secretary of Defense James Mattis that DoD promised that the Guam military build-up would be good for Guam’s civilian community, specifically its stated “Four Pillars,” as well as requirements of the 2011 Programmatic Agreement and 2017 biological opinion.
In a letter to Secretary Mattis, Bordallo emphasized efforts to protect and preserve cultural and natural resources.
Congresswoman Bordallo posed nine questions to Secretary Mattis, requesting that he outline DoD efforts to ensure public input during the build-up as well as efforts to address concerns regarding the Live Fire Training Range Complex on Andersen AFB.
“I recognize the deep concerns about the preservation and protection of our cultural and natural resources related to the build-up, and especially the construction of the Live Fire Training Range Complex on Andersen Air Force Base and the accompanying surface danger zone. I continue to work to keep the DoD accountable to the promises it has made to ensure the build-up would be good for Guam’s civilian community while supporting our nation's military efforts. Last week I wrote to Defense Secretary Mattis requesting that he recommit to the DoD’s ‘Four Pillars’ and the requirements of the 2011 Programmatic Agreement and 2017 biological opinion, as well as provide a detailed response to questions on DOD’s efforts to support our indigenous Chamorro history, culture, and natural resources. I believe that transparency is key, and DOD must be more engaged with our community and provide information to the public as this program moves forward.
“Renewed calls by our local community regarding proposed plans for the buildup have not gone unheard, and we must continue to work towards goals that are good for Guam and our region. I will continue to advocate for greater accountability from the DOD and work to ensure that concerns that are raised by our community are addressed.”