16 Feb 2011

US federal budget proposes more money for Guam build-up

8:52 pm on 16 February 2011

The United States federal budget proposal for the next financial year offers more than 367 million US dollars for military construction on Guam, including the foundation of a marine base in Finegayan.

The Pacific Daily News reports President Barack Obama has revealed the massive budget proposal, which requires the approval of congress to become a reality.

The budget includes money for projects directly connected to the transfer of Marines from Okinawa, and more funding for growth at the Andersen Air Force Base.

Guam delegate Madeleine Bordallo commended President Obama for appropriating an additional 33 million dollars for local infrastructure needs.

She says the proposed construction spending reflects the military's plan to slow the pace of the buildup so local infrastructure can prepare for a population flood.

As much as one billion dollars of infrastructure upgrades have been pledged, but funding for much of that will come from Japan.