Acting Gov. Joshua Tenorio announced Tuesday that the Government of Guam will take additional time to review the draft 2026 Programmatic Agreement under negotiation between Joint Region Marianas and the Guam State Historic Preservation Office.
Tenorio, Rear Adm. Brett Mietus and Acting State Historic Preservation Officer Carlotta Leon Guerrero agreed there is no immediate need to sign the draft while review continues, according to a release from the Office of the Governor. The 2008 Programmatic Agreement remains in effect in the meantime.
"This pause gives us the opportunity to take a closer look at the draft, the public comments submitted, and the concerns raised by members of our community," Tenorio said in the release. "An agreement of this importance should not be rushed."
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has separately directed State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick Lujan not to sign the draft agreement while Adelup and legal counsel conduct further review, the release said.
The extended review period will allow officials to evaluate whether the draft adequately addresses comments submitted during a 105-day public review period, along with proposed amendments from stakeholder group Prutehi Guåhan and recommendations from the Office of the Governor.
"The administration recognizes the strong public interest in this matter and the responsibility we have to approach it carefully," Tenorio said. "Our goal is to ensure that Guam's historic and cultural resources are protected, that the public's input is meaningfully considered, and that any agreement moving forward reflects the best interests of our island."
The Office of the Governor said it will continue coordinating with Guam SHPO, Joint Region Marianas, legal counsel and stakeholders as the review continues.