Public Notices

Hagåtña, Guam - Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio are proud to announce today the completion of the Teacher Pay Study and approval of salary adjustment recommendations, effective May 23, 2022. Under the Department of Administration’s (DOA) recommendations, Guam Department of Education (GDOE) teachers are receiving a 20% increase, principals a 15% additional administrator differential, and assistant principals a 10% differential. All other public school employees are to be included in the next General Pay Plan (GPP) Study.

Hagåtña, Guam – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio joined the Malesso’ community today for a groundbreaking ceremony of the new Malesso’ Multi-Purpose Open Air Gymnasium. The project will construct a new steel gymnasium over the existing tennis court, converting it into a multi-purpose basketball, volleyball, and tennis court. The $1.2 million project is funded through a Capital Improvement Project Grant awarded by the U.S. Department of the Interior and is part of the Department of Parks and Recreation Islandwide Public Restroom, Gymnasium, and Sports Facilities Report Projects (Phase II) Design-Build Project. “Investing in the health and safety and overall well-being of our communities remains a commitment for our administration. Village gyms and basketball courts are the heart of many communities, bringing families and kids from all walks of life together,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “We share in the excitement with the people of Malesso’ to finally see this much-anticipated project come into fruition.” “Basketball courts and village gyms serve as a place where our youth learn what it means to be a part of their community. They allow kids more access to sports and activities outside of school that helps contribute to better health and quality of life for everyone in the village,” said Lt. Governor Tenorio. “Thank you to the Malesso’ community for your patience as we get this project completed.” “This project is music to my ears, as this has been a long-awaited goal,” said Malesso’ Mayor Ernest Chargualaf. “When I first came into office in 2009, I wrote letters to all the senators asking that a gymnasium be built down here in Malesso’. I emphasized that as southerners, we are under-represented, underserved, and neglected. Finally, our gym is being built, and this administration was the catalyst to getting the project going. I hope that my people of Malesso’ are as elated as I am with the news of the gymnasium that is about to be built.” Surface Solutions is the project’s contractor. Along with a new gym, the project will include a newly resurfaced court and lighting system to meet International Basketball Federation (FIBA) standards, restrooms, new aluminum bleachers, and a new fence. The project will take 180 calendar days from the start of construction to be completed. To watch the groundbreaking ceremony in its entirety, visit Governor Lou Leon Guerrero’s Facebook page. ###

Hagåtña, Guam – Governor Lou Leon Guerrero and Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio are pleased to announce the reopening of the CHamoru Village Wednesday Night Market on May 4, 2022, starting at 5 p.m. “The return of the Wednesday Night Market marks a comforting sign of the times and sends the message of hope to our community that better days are upon us,” said Governor Leon Guerrero. “This week, we are cautiously optimistic that we will take a major step forward as we anticipate adjusting indoor face mask requirements to be optional, especially for those with high health risk. I encourage the people of Guam to get their second booster shots and celebrate the comeback of CHamoru Village by supporting our island’s food vendors, small businesses, and cultural artists.” “The night market has become a center of festivity for locals and visitors alike, and we know many have been looking forward to making memories at this special venue again,” said Lt. Governor Tenorio. “We acknowledge the diligent initiatives of the Department of CHamoru Affairs and the careful planning they have put forth to ensure a safe and celebratory resumption of events in the heart of our island’s capital. We welcome all to come and enjoy the live entertainment, performances, shopping, carabao rides, rock wall, and more.” For inquiries, contact Rowena Sulio at the CHamoru Village office at 671-475-0377 or rowena.sulio@dca.guam.gov. ###

Hagåtña, Guam - On Friday, several senators voted against Bill 246-36, which would have approved the Hagåtña Restoration and Redevelopment Plan. If passed, the Plan would have set the course forward for $550 million in redevelopment projects aimed at promoting the history, heritage, and ultimately, the economic vitality of Guam’s capital city. “This is a time when leaders should be investing in our community and our progress. I am pleased that HRRA will incorporate senators’ amendments into the Plan and resubmit it for approval because it provides visionary guidance for significant projects in Hagåtña,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio added, “The Hagåtña Master Plan represents the desires of the residents of our capital city and will be a huge benefit for the people of Guam, especially on our road to economic recovery and revitalization.” Hagåtña Restoration and Redevelopment Authority (HRRA) Executive Director Lasia Casil stated, “Through town halls, open houses, market studies, surveys, and planning charrettes, the community of Hagåtña was brought together to put forth a vision for their village. Republicans invested almost a million dollars into developing this Plan in the last administration, and we look forward to their commitment in bringing that investment to fruition by approving the Plan. HRRA delivered a fully fleshed-out vision, and we hope that lawmakers will be moved by the opportunity delivered to them.” ###

The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration announces the availability of employment opportunities through the Guam Department of Labor (GDOL) Dislocated Workers Program. This new program provides individuals with training for career and job placement.

Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration Creating Jobs in Childcare Industry Child Care Apprenticeship Program Launches in May, Applications Open April 29 Hagåtña, Guam - The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration, in coordination with the Guam Economic Development Authority (GEDA), Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) and Guam Community College (GCC), today announced the launch of the Child Care Apprenticeship Program in May 2022. This program will make child care more affordable for working families, provide additional support to child care providers, and encourage job creation. The application period opens on Friday, April 29, 2022. The first cohort begins on May 16, 2022. “Our vision is to train and employ over 100 workers for the child care industry by the end of 2022,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “We created this opportunity for members of our community who are passionate about elevating the quality of child care, so Guam’s parents can rejoin the workforce or pursue promotional advancement, knowing their children are cared for.” “Our Prugråman Pinilan initiatives present a landmark opportunity for our administration to improve existing resources and strengthen our workforce while continuing to balance the health, safety, and wellbeing of our kids and families,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “These programs are further empowering working families to increase their spending power and giving them the flexibility they need to secure other meaningful necessities including goods and services.” The Prugråman Pinilan Child Care Apprenticeship Program is free for eligible applicants and covers all cohort fees, to include registration and tuition. The program features a course for applicants to obtain a health certificate and child care certification upon graduation. Upon course completion, applicants will begin an apprenticeship inclusive of two months of on-the-job training at a licensed Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) facility. Eligibility requirements include: certification of graduation from a recognized high school or General Educational Diploma (G.E.D.); submission of pertinent health records; and police and court clearances. View all eligibility requirements, and the program application and checklist at investguam.com. “Thriving families translates to a thriving economy and better quality of life for all,” said GEDA CEO and Administrator Melanie Mendiola. “Prugråman Pinilan continues to support local businesses and the childcare industry as we recover from the pandemic and encourage the growth of productive, fulfilling employment. We are committed to strengthening Guam’s workforce and enhancing the foundation of our local economy to prepare for our future prosperity.” For more information, visit investguam.com or contact GEDA at 671-647-4332. ###

Hagåtña, Guam – The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration this week is releasing 2,243 Tax Year 2021 and prior income tax refunds, including those garnished to repay government debts, totaling $6,948,975. The latest batch of payments processed by the Department of Revenue and Taxation and distributed by the Department of Administration represent error-free returns filed on or before February 3, 2022, and will be paid by check or direct deposit. “The people of Guam have done an exceptional job containing the spread of COVID-19, enabling the gradual lifting of restrictions we are seeing today,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “With our eyes set on recovery and propelling our people forward, unlike past administrations, our team remains committed to the timely payment of tax refunds. We know this trusted turnaround will help everyone get back on their feet and move quicker towards recovery.” “In addition to the direct aid we are providing to more working families through the expansion of Prugråman Salåppe, and the millions of dollars provided directly to our community through past initiatives, the progress of our people who are getting their refunds in record time is planting the seeds for Guam’s promising rebound and future prosperity,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. For more information, contact the DRT Call Center at 635-1840/1841/7614/7651/1813 or email pinadmin@revtax.guam.gov. Inquiries may also be made under the ‘Contact Us’ section of the DRT website at myguamtax.com. ###

Hagåtña, Guam – Since launching one month ago, the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration is distributing the first batch of relief payments for 22 homeowners this week through the Guam Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). The HAF program has received 977 pre-applications, of which 782 applicants are pre-eligible, 96 ineligible, and 99 were duplicate applications. “As we rise from the challenges of this pandemic, supporting the ability of our people to gain firm footing in our pursuit of prosperity is essential to our success,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “This week, we are delivering $135,683 to help families keep good on their financial obligations and, more importantly, to encourage their continued growth despite the hardships.” “We are humbled this relief is reaching homeowners in need and that hundreds more will be able to address their household needs,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “The HAF program continues working hard every day to deliver relief as soon as possible. We are encouraged that a second batch of financial assistance will be distributed later this month.” Launched on January 31, 2022, HAF assists homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages, utilities, or property taxes due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Administered by the Department of Administration, funds are paid directly to lenders and utility agencies on behalf of homeowners. The U.S. Department of Treasury established the following eligibility criteria: (1) own and occupy a home in Guam as their primary residence; (2) experienced financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic after January 21, 2020 and; (3) have a household income at or below 150% of the area median income. There is a $15,000 limit for each applicant. The HAF program contacts all applicants regarding the status of applications. For more information, visit doa.guam.gov or contact HAF at haf@doa.guam.gov or 671-638-3814/3815, or visit the HAF office located on the 2nd floor of the ITC Building in Tamuning.

Hagåtña, Guam – The Bureau of Statistics and Plans (BSP) today released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Procurement of Professional Development and Implementation of the Guahan 2050 Sustainability Plan (RFP-BSP-2022-001). Over the next couple of years, BSP and its selected contractor will be engaging the public to get their participation and feedback which will inform the development of the plan. The Plan will update Guam’s comprehensive development plan law to reflect the extraordinary changes in best practice approaches to development that have emerged from modern science, research, and technology. “This project will create a sustainable pathway for Guam to take charge of its future. It will be accountable to our citizens and help us make the best choices with our limited resources,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “Our objective is to achieve a truly sustainable community that will safeguard our resources and quality of life for all the people of Guam.” The Plan will include a wide range of elements such as land use, community design, transportation, regulations, public facilities, public lands, public buildings, housing, redevelopment, conservation, recreation, safety, tourism, sustainable development policy, capital improvements, preservation, indigenous connections and rights, community mental health, physical health and well-being. “Our island’s small size and isolated geographic location make it imperative for us to look ahead to ensure we secure and protect our natural resources by creating a comprehensive roadmap into the next several decades,” added Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “The Guahan 2050 Sustainability plan will carve a path forward so that our children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of our island and benefit from a thriving economy.” Funding for this project comes from a U.S. Department of Interior, Office of Insular Affairs grant (Grant Number: D21AP10204-00). Electronic copies of the RFP are available online at BSP’s website, www.bsp.guam.gov. Hard copies will be available from February 21, 2022, through March 4, 2022, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding Government of Guam Holidays). Proposals must be received no later than Friday, March 25, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. Proposals received after the closing time for receipt will not be considered. For more information, contact BSP Program Coordinator Brandy-Jose Martinez at (671) 475-9671 or brandy-jose.martinez@bsp.guam.gov. ###

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.” ###