Friday, May 1, 2009

Latest version of Guam's buildup master plan out

SANTA RITA, Guam-The Joint Guam Program Office has released a public overview of the latest version of the military's draft Master Plan, documenting months of studies and planning done to date.

The public overview shows the preferred alternative sites and notional laydown for Marine Corps operational forces, aviation facilities, housing, training and other activities. It also shows the current status of the planning efforts for new facilities at Apra Harbor to support a transient aircraft carrier. The public overview is a summation of the draft Master Plan and also includes definitions of Marine Corps activities and frequently asked questions.

The draft Master Plan is a snapshot of where the planning process is at this time and was developed to provide Department of Defense Components with an opportunity to review and provide input. The Navy's planners will continue to assess requirements, resources and develop additional detail. Additionally, environmental studies required by the National Environmental Policy Act will continue to look at the sites outlined in the draft Master Plan, as well as others. The draft Master Plan will continue to be refined and will not be considered final until the environmental impact statement has been finalized.

“Sharing the contents of the draft Master Plan is important to show our progress and keep neighboring communities updated,” said Maj. Gen. (Ret.) David F. Bice, JGPO's executive director. “We will keep working closely with [Guam] Governor [Felix] Camacho and his staff to make sure the military's activities are compatible with GovGuam's vision for its future.”

Camacho and Rep. Judi Won Pat, Speaker of the 29th Legislature, were briefed on the contents of the plan. The Civilian Military Task Force will be briefed in the future. JGPO has collaborated with GovGuam representatives in order to develop the draft plans. Representatives from the Governor's and Lieutenant Governor's staffs provided input to Defense leaders as working group participants. Additional details, such as the location for training activities not noted in the current draft, are still being studied and will be shared with the Guam government for feedback.

The Joint Guam Program Office facilitates the realignment of Marines from Okinawa to Guam. JGPO works within the Department of Defense and closely with the Government of Japan, Government of Guam, U.S. Congress and Federal agencies to lead and manage the delivery of required capabilities to the Marines. (JGPO) . --- Saipan Tribune

No comments:

Post a Comment