WASHINGTON, October 22, 2010 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the commitment of $50 million in USDA funding to help make improvements to the Port Authority of Guam in the Western Pacific, a key military and shipping facility. The Department of Defense provided an additional $50 million to the Port in September for a total of $100 million for the project. USDA officials joined Rear Adm. Paul Bushong, Commander, Joint Region Marianas and David Bice, Executive Director Joint Guam Program Office during a ceremony today at the Port of Guam to recognize this effort.
Modernization to the Port of Guam is not only critical for the military relocation, but also to support the long-term needs of the people of Guam. The Department of Defense is committed to executing the realignment in a manner which can benefit the Guam community and this funding contribution is one step in its efforts to do so.
“USDA is proud to contribute to this important joint undertaking with the U.S. Department of Defense, Vilsack said.”Guam is vital to America’s security, and a modern port facility will improve our ability to rapidly deploy supplies and equipment to the area.”
Located near Piti, Guam, the Port Authority of Guam, also known as the Jose D. Leon Guerrero Commercial Port, handles more than 90 percent of the goods consumed by residents of Guam and the Western Pacific islands. A planned military build-up of 8,000 Marines and their dependents has led to a re-examination of the existing infrastructure. Several key facilities are being updated and expanded in preparation for the increased activity, traffic and construction that will follow. Since the seaport is the main entry point for material goods, its increased capacity is essential for subsequent expansions and new construction. Funding from USDA and the Department of Defense is expected to help save or create more than 800 jobs. The Maritime Administration (MARAD) will help administer DOD and USDA’s funding for this project.
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