Hagåtña, Guam- The Government of Guam has been awarded over $3.3 million in federal funding by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to fund 17 different projects for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. These funds were awarded by DOI under the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) Technical Assistance Program (TAP).
“We’re appreciative of our strong working relationship with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, who continues to be a strong advocate for Guam. Yesterday, I thanked her for this award funding in my meeting with her. This funding provided by her Department will go a long way in supporting critical initiatives in Guam, including improving government services and assisting nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. This funding will help meet a variety of goals such as strengthening our power system’s cybersecurity posture, providing software upgrades, and offering training opportunities for government efficiency and workforce development,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero.
“Along with improving efficiency in our government, these federal funds will go toward services that enrich the lives of hundreds of children and their families facing adversity and assist our island’s veterans with access to healthcare. As we continue to rebuild our island, our administration will continue to work with our federal partners to maximize funding opportunities that help improve government services and support the people of Guam,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio.
The TAP funding to Guam are as follows:
- $159,200 to the Guam Power Authority for the Comprehensive Security Plan for Guam’s Critical Energy Instructure. The development of the plan will help strengthen GPA’s physical and cybersecurity posture to meet and exceed industry standards.
- $130,536 to the Guam Public Library for Library Software Upgrades Assistance Program. The goal is to provide software upgrades and subscription services necessary for the integration of digital platforms and mobile applications that support access to electronic books and other digital content.
- $112,901 to the Department of Revenue and Taxation for Revenue Officers Training in the Collections Branch. The training will assist Revenue Officers in fulfilling critical functions, including collecting delinquent taxes and overdue tax returns, educating taxpayers about their tax responsibilities, and enforcing Guam’s tax laws.
- $100,000 to the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority for the Financial Management System Assessment
- $100,000 to the A.B. Won Pat International Airport Authority for the Infrastructure, Systems, and Equipment Integration Assessment
- $60,206 to the Department of Revenue and Taxation for Auditor and Revenue Agent Training. The training will help DRT to improve tracking, case management, and compliance with audit findings during operations.
- $49,550 to the Guam Power Authority for the Energy Engineering Training & Certification Program
- $40,000 to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for the Veteran Affairs Accredited Representative Training. A training to establish additional VA Accredited Representatives will serve the island’s Veterans seeking assistance and services through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including access to healthcare.
- $535,074 to Mañe’lu for the Micronesia Resource Center One-Stop Shop
- $456,054 to Guam Community College for the Construction Trades Bootcamp project
- $200,000 the Guam Preservation Trust for the Atantåno Heritage Preserve Natural & Cultural Resource Project
- $138,792 to the University of Guam for establishing the Artifact Maintenance Program for the Guam Cultural Repository
Additionally, Maintenance Assistance Program (MAP) funding is being awarded for the following projects:
- $556,000 to the Guam Department of Public Works for the Highway Infrastructure Maintenance Program
- $151,850 to the Port Authority of Guam for the Phase II Maintenance Support Project for the Port Authority of Guam Welding Shop
- $60,575 to the Guam State Clearinghouse for the Islandwide Beautification Task Force Equipment purchase.
- $140,287 to the Guam Community College for the Increasing Facilities Maintenance Capabilities project
Lastly, OIA will also be awarding $362,825 in CARES Act funding to Mañe’lu for the continuation of their Informed Islands project.
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