Governor Lou Leon Guerrero is urging the Guam Legislature to swiftly pass Bill 2 (1-S), warning that Guam stands to lose $104 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds if lawmakers do not act. The funds are designated for major power and water infrastructure improvements in Mangilao and Barrigada that would also support the development of a new hospital.
According to the governor, the proposed projects would improve water pressure, modernize distribution systems, and reinforce power reliability across the central region. The upgrades aim to prevent prolonged utility outages, such as those that occurred after Typhoon Mawar, and to support new housing and healthcare developments that depend on stable infrastructure.
Under ARP rules, the funds must be obligated by Dec. 31, 2024, and fully spent by Dec. 31, 2026. Without legislative authorization, the Guam Power Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority cannot access the money, and the funds would revert to the federal government. “This isn’t about politics. It’s about protecting a once-in-a-generation federal investment in Guam’s future,” Leon Guerrero said.
The governor emphasized that passing Bill 2 (1-S) is critical to ensuring reliable utilities for families in Mangilao and Barrigada while safeguarding millions in federal investment. “Every dollar left unspent is a dollar lost to the people of Guam,” she said.