Public Notices

Hagåtña, Guam - Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio issue the following statements on the passing of Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (GHURA) Executive Director Ray S. Topasna: “Our hearts are broken over the sudden loss of our good friend and respected public servant Ray Topasna. He dedicated his life to ensure Guam’s families had a roof over their heads and that stable housing on our island was a staple, instead of a systemic challenge. Our families are more secure and stronger today because of his legacy. We will never forget his tireless efforts, his quick wit, and his inspiring ability to speak truth to power,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “Jeff and I send our deepest condolences to Audrey and family, and we are especially thinking of them in their moment of grief and pain. I will miss Ray tremendously.” “Ray dedicated his life to public service in the tradition of his parents and grandparents. He was an innovative thinker and pursued excellence in his work for our island. Today marks a great loss for Guam,” said Lt. Governor Tenorio. “To his wife Audrey, their children, and the Topasna and Sanchez families, we extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers.” ###

Hagåtña, Guam - Following approval from the U.S. Treasury today, the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration announces the launch of the Guam Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program. The Department of Administration (DOA) will administer the Guam HAF Program, which provides $13.5 million to homeowners in need of financial assistance for mortgage and housing obligations, and relief for mortgage, utility, and property taxes. Pre-applications will be available beginning Monday, January 31, 2022. “We are grateful to our federal partners at the U.S. Treasury for their continued guidance and support throughout this pandemic, enabling us to provide the maximum resources available to our people,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “The Guam HAF Program will assist homeowners who have experienced financial hardship since January 21, 2020. If the pandemic has affected your ability to stay on top of your mortgage and utility obligations, this program may provide you up to $15,000 in financial relief assistance to avoid foreclosure.” “The ongoing pandemic has placed insurmountable stress on our families, many of whom lost precious working hours or lost work completely,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “While our people have done what is necessary to keep themselves and their families safe, this relief offers stability through these unprecedented times. Through the HAF Program, our administration expects to provide a lifeline to more than a thousand households before the end of 2022.” Homeowners can apply online at doa.guam.gov or visit the Guam HAF Program office located on the 2nd floor of the ITC building in Tamuning from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Financial assistance is funded through an allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. For more information, contact the Guam HAF office at 671-638-3814 or visit doa.guam.gov. ###

Hagåtña, Guam - Following several job creation and economic development initiatives implemented by the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration, the Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) has reported an unemployment decrease of 3.3 percentage points as of September 2021. Guam’s unemployment rate is currently up 4.5 percentage points from figures reported prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hagåtña, Guam - The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program distributed $9 million in financial relief to more than 2,500 rental households affected by the pandemic. The assistance payments were made to landlords and utility agencies on behalf of renters who struggled to pay rent or utilities due to the impacts of the pandemic. “Housing is a fundamental right for all children and families,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “With this moral imperative, my administration has been prioritizing homelessness and poverty prevention and protecting renters and homeowners who are still experiencing economic shocks from the pandemic. By providing this assistance, we also empower struggling families to focus their spending power on securing other essentials like food and educational materials for their children. We strongly encourage everyone in need to avail of ERA and other lifelines.” “Preventing evictions and promoting housing stability has been a priority of our administration’s pandemic response,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio, chairman of the Office of Homeless Assistance and Poverty Prevention (OHAPP). “The value of emergency rental assistance during what has been a vulnerable time for our community cannot be overstated. We are humbled to know this relief has ensured thousands of families feel secure in their homes.” Administered by the Department of Administration since March 2021, the ERA Program has received and processed a total of 4,600 applications seeking assistance for rent, power, water, internet, solid waste, and other expenses related to displacement, and continues to provide relief to meet the critical demand brought on by the pandemic. Rental households seeking assistance must meet the three eligibility criteria: 1. qualify for unemployment benefits or experience a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, experienced other financial hardship due directly, or indirectly, to COVID-19; 2. demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability and; 3. has a household income at or below 80% of the area median income. Tenants and landlords seeking assistance and can log on to doa.guam.gov, call the ERA Program at 671-638-4518/4519, or visit the Emergency Rental Assistance Program office located in Suite 219 on the 2nd Floor of the ITC Building. ###

$200K Designated for Mayors’ Offices Accrued COVID Differential Pay Hagåtña, Guam - Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio are honoring their commitment to the Mayors’ Council of Guam (MCOG) by allocating them $17,599,913 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds after receiving verification from the United States Treasury. Upon receiving clarification, the Bureau of Budget Management and Research immediately transferred $200,000 to satisfy COVID differential pay incurred by the mayors’ offices.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and First Gentleman Jeff Cook are inviting the island community to share in the joy of Christmas during their Drive-Thru Holiday Wishes event at the Government House in Agaña Heights on Thursday, December 23, 2021, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Kids will receive a holiday treat while supplies last. The Guam Territorial Band will also be featured on-site performing holiday music.

Hagåtña, Guam – On behalf of Team GovGuam, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio presented a check for $71,161 to the American Cancer Society in support of Relay for Life 2021 during a brief ceremony on Monday. “Through creative raffles, bake sales, and old-fashioned car washes, we are proud of everyone’s earnest and heartfelt contributions, which led us to surpass our original goal of raising $60,000,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “To accomplish this fundraising feat through a pandemic is truly remarkable and a testament to our community’s collective commitment to beating cancer.” “These funds will go towards providing comfort and hope to our loved ones battling cancer and advancing the medical treatment that so many rely on,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “We thank all of our compassionate workers for giving their time and talents to this important cause.” Guam recently was recognized by the national American Cancer Society as a recipient of the Power of Hope for the western region. With this recognition, Guam will be considered for the national Power of Hope title. To view the presentation in its entirety, visit facebook.com/govlouguam. ###

The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration encourages small businesses to apply for the Guam Small Business Pandemic Assistance Grant Program 2021 (PAG2021). Effective November 18, 2021, the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA) Board adjusted the program’s parameters, reducing the minimum business interruption percentage requirement from 25% to 20%. GEDA will continue to receive PAG2021 applications until 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2021.

Hagåtña, Guam - Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio welcome the recent awarding of $3,663,526 annually for ten years in Low Income Housing Tax Credits to build as many as 64 affordable housing units in Radio Barrigada. The award was approved during the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (GHURA) Board meeting on Friday, November 26, 2021 and amounts to $36,635,260 over a 10-year compliance period. Summer Breeze I, LLC has been awarded the contract, and its developer is Core Tech Development, LLC. The project will consist of six single-bedroom, eighteen two-bedroom, thirty three-bedroom, and ten four-bedroom units. “Last week, our Administration unveiled Investment Para Hamyo, our comprehensive plan to maximize and mobilize all our financial resources to build back a stronger, more resilient island,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “With this GHURA award, this plan is already in motion, and we are that much closer to our goal of utilizing up to $66 million in tax credits to finance construction for families who qualify.” “The foundation of a safe and prosperous community is the availability of sufficient housing to provide homes for our people. We look forward to breaking ground on these affordable units and providing greater stability for families who are most impacted by limited inventory and high housing costs,” said Lt. Governor Tenorio. “GHURA is excited to be a part of the Governor’s vision to build back stronger together. Even prior to the pandemic, we recognized a shortage of affordable housing for our people, which is why my team has never taken its foot off the gas. As a result, more affordable homes will be made available to Guamanians who are income-eligible. The Board has also directed me to review remaining federal tax credits and explore options to award these credits as soon as practicable. I want to personally thank Core Tech Development, LLC, who has been a great partner toward building affordable homes over the last decade.” said Ray Topasna, GHURA Executive Director. GHURA is the State Housing Finance Agency that administers federal housing tax credits. The housing authority started awarding credits in 2005 and has constructed 1,187 low-income affordable homes. ###

Hagåtña, Guam – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio, and the Guam Museum Foundation invite the island community to celebrate the holiday season by visiting the Electric Winter Wonderland in downtown Hagåtña. Skinner Plaza will be decorated with Christmas lights, pixelating trees, holiday arches, and blizzards of snow for the community to enjoy from December 2, 2021 to January 8, 2022. Organizers will continue adding to the exciting light display leading up to Christmas Day. Special light shows will be featured in 30-minute intervals every Thursday to Sunday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. COVID-19 social gathering limits will be enforced and mask-wearing is required. “This year has brought many challenges for our island and people, so it has been a goal of our administration to work hard at beating this virus in time for our community to enjoy real relief and see a safe return to some holiday traditions this festive season. Certainly, this is an early Christmas gift for Guam and for that, we give thanks,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “We are encouraged by our downward trend of cases and hospitalizations, which gives us hope that cheerful community events such as this will remind everyone of what is possible when we work together for the good of all,” said Lt. Governor Tenorio. “The Guam Museum wants to ring in the holiday season in the spirit of hope, joy, and merriment,” said Dave Tydingco, Chairman of the Guam Museum Foundation. “In the spirit of sustainability, we will be illuminating the heart of our island with decorations from previous years, but we are also introducing new features, including an interactive display of Christmas lights, pixelating trees, holiday arches, and a blizzard of snow after every light show.” The Electric Winter Wonderland is presented by the Office of the Governor of Guam, The Guam Museum Foundation, Guam Visitors Bureau, Guam Economic Development Authority, PBS Guam, the businesses of the Port User’s Group: Matson Navigation Company, CTSI Logistics Guam, Cabras Marine Corporation, Seabridge Inc., Guam Shipyard, Norton Lily International Inc., the Bank of Guam, and KUAM; and by the following Gold Sponsors: Calvo’s Insurance, The Guam Daily Post, K-Stereo; Silver Sponsors: GTA Teleguam, Community Corporation, and Megamix; and Bronze Sponsors: GFS Group, Guam Premier Outlets, Coast360 Federal Credit Union, AM Insurance, Matson Navigation Company, Black Construction Guam, Cherry Vision, and Hit Radio 100. For more information, contact Friends of the Guam Museum or Ina Carillo at inavcarillo@gmail.com. ###