Nearly Six Million in CIP Funds Granted to Guam

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 22, 2015) – Today Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Esther Kia’aina approved nearly $6 million in grant funding under the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) Capital Improvement Project (CIP) program for improvements to infrastructure in Guam's public schools, Guam’s Memorial hospital, the Guam Police Department, and the Paseo Stadium in preparation for Guam to host the 12th Festival of the Pacific Arts in 2016.

"Through this critical infrastructure funding, we are able to assist the Government of Guam on a wide swathe of public health, education, safety and cultural needs and support priority projects identified by Governor Eddie Calvo,” said Assistant Secretary Kia’aina. “All of these projects directly affect the quality of life for the people of Guam.”

Guam Memorial Hospital: $1.8 million to install a new Hospital Nurse Call/Intercom system which is used for direct communications between patients and medical professionals and interfaces with the existing Public Address System and thus can be used for organization-wide emergencies. The funds will also be used to replace essential heating and cooling units in the hospital enabling them to meet their mission of “providing quality patient care in a safe environment”.

Police Department: $1.2 million to build an Evidence & Property Control Facility and purchase new patrol vehicles and motorcycles for the Guam Police Department.

Department of Parks and Recreation: $750,000 for upgrades to the Paseo Baseball Stadium, including the following: construct a new concrete roof; replace perimeter fencing; bring the Stadium back up to code; replace the press box and stadium grandstand; incorporate new energyefficient lighting; and landscaping. Paseo Baseball Stadium is an important facility for community social and athletic activities and will be a central venue for the 12th Festival of Pacific Arts to be hosted by Guam in 2016.

Department of Education Facilities: $1 million to begin the Insular Assessment of Buildings and Classroom (Insular ABCs) initiative this year. The health and safety initiative addresses critical deferred maintenance throughout Guam's public schools and will continue through 2018. Guam will use another $1 million to convert Tiyan educational administration facilities into a central high school to alleviate overcrowded conditions at the John F. Kennedy High School in Tamuning and the George Washington High School in Mangilao.

The Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas carries out the Secretary’s responsibilities for the U.S. territories, including American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Additional responsibilities include administration and oversight of federal assistance provided to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau under the Compacts of Free Association.

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