U.S. MilCon planned for Palau and FSM
GHD-COWI JV of San Diego, Calif., was awarded an $18.85 million firm-fixed-price modification to task order N6247323F4522 to provide initial architect-engineer designs to support fiscal 2025 and 2026 Navy construction projects in Malakal Port in Palau; and Yap Port in the Federated States of Micronesia.
After award of this modification, the total cumulative contract value will be $19,26 million. Work is expected to be completed by May 2024. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Southwest in San Diego made the award, according to a June 13 release from the U.S. Department of Defense.
GHD provides engineering, environmental and construction services in multiple locations, and has an office in Guam. GHD is a longtime participant in the annual Bank of Guam ASC Trust list of the Top Companies in Micronesia in Guam Business Magazine. COWI is an architectural and engineering consultancy with headquarters in Demark and offices worldwide.
In other news related to military construction, the quarterly CNMI Stakeholders was conducted by the Indo-Pacific Command on June 6 and 7, according to releases from the Northern Mariana Islands Office of the Governor.
Items discussed included the 2023 CNMI Military Training Outlook, updates on the Tinian Port, port calls on Saipan, the CNMI Joint Military Training meetings which discussed the updated Environmental Impact Statement on Tinian, and the upcoming Innovative Readiness Training in July, according to the Office of the Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Acting Gov. David M. Atapang, Major Gen. Mark A. Hashimoto, commander of INDOPACOM; as well as NMI and military officials attended. Rear Adm. Benjamin R. Nicholson, commander of Joint Region Marianas, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Jeffrey J. Kilian attended the meeting virtually.
Meetings were also held on the updated Environmental Impact Statement Description of Proposed Action and Alternatives for the Tinian Divert Airfield.
The revised EIS will reflect significant changes proposed in response to the 2015 EIS. Notable changes included the removal of Pagan from the proposal, no use of artillery, no aviation delivery munitions on Tinian, no amphibious ramps, no special use air space, significantly reduced range footprint, expanded non-military access, and co-use of the Military Lending Act.
Federal legislation for pregnant women coming up
Set to go into effect on June 27, the Pregnant Women’s Fairness Act requires employers to offer reasonable accommodations for qualifying federal, private, and public sector employees with known limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, or other related medical problems outlined under the Act, unless the provision will cause an employer undue hardship.
The EEOC said examples of possible reasonable accommodations including the ability to sit or drink water; receive closer parking; have flexible hours; receive appropriately sized uniforms and safety apparel; receive additional break time to use the bathroom, eat, and rest; take leave or time off to recover from childbirth; and be excused from strenuous activities and/or activities that involve exposure to compounds not safe for pregnancy.
A public law passed in Guam in 2015 addressed the rights of women to breastfeed.
After June 27, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will accept complaints or charges.
NMI continues push for Korean flights
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios; Marianas Visitor Authority Acting Chairperson of the Marianas Visitors Authority Gloria C. Cavanagh, who is also the vice president of Mariana Eland; and MVA Managing Director Christopher Concepcion; met with officials of the South Korea Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport to discuss the expansion of air service from South Korea to Saipan the week of June 5. The group also met with T’way Air, and as earlier reported Jeju Air.
In addition, according to Aeroroutes, Asiana Airlines will increase its Seoul-Saipan frequency from four weekly flights to seven from July 1 to Aug. 31, flying the Airbus a321neo. From Sept. 27 to Oct 5, Asiana will fly the Airbus A330-300 on the route, which has a lower passenger capacity.
In other NMI news, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp will receive $1,700,000 to expand community partnerships and address health disparities, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response announced June 8. The grant will expand community partnerships to address health disparities, access and functional needs, and other at-risk populations, according to a June 10 release from the office of Gregorio C. “Kilili” Sablan, the NMI’s delegate to Congress. The grant program was created and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Gregorio C. "Kilili" Sablan, the Northern Mariana Islands delegate to Congress, responded to the Saipan Chamber of Commerce regarding its request seeking assistance in including the CW-1 visa in the list of non-immigrant visas eligible for a waiver of in-person interviews, due to the delay in scheduling them.
Sablan contacted the U.S. Department of State and confirmed that the CW-1 visa is already included in the interview waiver.
While the State Department grants non-immigrant visa interview waivers at the discretion of consular offices, they advised that CW-1 applicants should follow the same procedure as detailed for B1/B2 visa applicants, as outlined by their country-specific U.S. Embassies. For example, the procedure for the Manila Embassy can be found at [https://ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-visarenewb1b2.asp]. It details situations that make a waiver possible.
Attorney found guilty of felony and misdemeanors
John Bordallo Bell was found guilty of terrorizing as a third-degree felony, three counts of unlawful restraint as misdemeanors, and two counts of assault as misdemeanors. By statute, Bell also will be required to register on the Sex Offender Registry due to his unlawful restraint convictions. While on pretrial release, Bell was found to have violated the terms of that release more than once. “Bell faces a maximum of eight years in jail and our office will be seeking the maximum sentence,” a June12 release from the Office of the Attorney General of Guam said.
Bell was licensed to practice law in Guam and California. His specializations included labor and employment law, personal injury, medical malpractice, consumer law, and general civil litigation.
Post typhoon updates:
The Office of the Governor of Guam said June 10 a funding request for $26.6 million had been submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the administration and payment of the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program. DUA benefits will be retroactive to the week beginning May 28 and can be paid up to the week ending Nov. 25 if the individual remains eligible for DUA. The computed weekly assistance amount for the territory of Guam is $384 as determined by U.S. DOL. For more information, contact GDOL at 671-475-7000/1 or visit dol.guam.gov.
Guam Power Authority awaits additional equipment
Crews are restoring the transmission line along Route 16. High-reach bucket trucks are anticipated to arrive this week via FEMA-chartered air transportation, allowing the major repairs to the main transmission lines to accelerate.
Additional bucket trucks sourced by DoD and FEMA are expected to arrive over the next two weeks, allowing line crews to address repair and restoration in more areas.
Customers restored – 64.2%; load restored – 81.5%. As work to restore power to all customers and stabilize the island’s power grid, GPA officials reiterated that power could be interrupted.
Guam Waterworks Authority officials lifted the precautionary boil-water notice in areas with stable water service, meaning areas with adequate pressure, chlorine residual levels in the water, and water sampling and analysis which indicate the water in GWA’s distribution system is clear of any contaminants. As of 2 p.m., June 13, GWA lifted its Precautionary Boil Water Notice completely for the Southern Water System, which includes all areas served by the Ugum Surface Water Treatment Plant from Ipan Talofofo to Humatak. For the Northern and Central Water Systems, GWA is adjusting its Precautionary Boil Water Notice which will now be applicable only to the village of Mangilao, and isolated areas in Barrigada, Ordot-Chalan Pago, Dededo, and Yigo. Visit http://guamwaterworks.org/precautionary-boil-water-notice for more information.
Telecom update:
Docomo Pacific is now posting updates on its website at www.bettertogether.pr.co
GTA said its main challenge is keeping generators fueled and maintained while GPA works to restore island power. GTA’s core network is fully operational and off-island internet connections are stable with ample capacity.
Most of GTA’s core network sites are on island power, and most of its wireless network cell sites are operational.
Post-typhoon grants and loans:
The Guam Visitors Bureau will launch the Tourism Assistance Program on June 14 with $2 million to assist small businesses that support the tourism industry through grants of up to $25,000, with the goal that these businesses reopen for GVB’s summer campaign period in mid-July.
The small business must be a local tourism-related business that will re-open on or before July 15; certify the business is directly related to or in support of international or military guests visiting Guam; and provide evidence of economic/financial hardship or can provide evidence of damage associated with Typhoon Mawar. To apply, go to guamvisitorsbureau.com, call GVB at (671) 646-5278 or visit GVB.
Low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans are now available to certain private nonprofit organizations in Guam following the federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance as a result of Typhoon Mawar. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.
Private nonprofit organizations should contact Public Assistance Director Joseph Cabana of Guam Homeland Security and Office of Civil Defense by calling (671) 475-9600 or emailing [email protected] to obtain information about applicant briefings. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/.
Loans are up to $2 million, with an interest rate of 2.375% with terms up to 30 years. The deadline to apply for property damage is Aug. 8. The deadline to apply for economic injury is March 11, 2024.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster assistance may be available to non-citizen nationals and qualified aliens. If you do not meet the status of either U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien, your household may still apply for and be considered for IHP assistance if another adult member of your household meets the eligibility criteria and certifies their citizenship status, or you are the parent or guardian of a minor who is a U.S. citizen.
Apply for FEMA aid at disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, by calling 800-621-3362 (The Helpline is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week at no cost for Guam residents) or by stopping by a Disaster Recovery Center located at Guam Community College, Dededo Sports Complex, C.L. Taitano Elementary School and Inarahan Community Center (open seven days a week 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Port of Guam update:
Matson’s Matsonia is due to dock June 13 with 35 refrigerated containers, 446 dry goods containers and 252 vehicles. APL’s CC Herodote is due arrive June 14 and is slated to discharge 30 refrigerated containers and 418 dry goods containers. Barge S-2011 is due to arrive June 14 with 41 containers of dry goods, two vehicles and two pallets of general cargo.
All three gantry cranes are now operational, the port said.
SNAP benefits update:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants will receive an “Automated Mass Replacement” of their May benefit. SNAP participants will receive 50% of their May benefit placed directly in their account after 7 p.m. June 12.
SNAP participants who submitted an affidavit for the “Food Loss Program” and requested an amount less than 50% of their May benefit will automatically have the difference between their award and the 50% provided to them. If the SNAP participant requested more than 50% through the “Food Loss Program,” and were awarded that amount, those participants will not receive additional benefits.
For residents who are not SNAP participants, the Department of Health and Social Services is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services on a Disaster SNAP program. Individuals can contact the Bureau of Economic Security for any questions on (671) 300-8873. mbj
GHD-COWI JV of San Diego, Calif., was awarded an $18.85 million firm-fixed-price modification to task order N6247323F4522 to provide initial architect-engineer designs to support fiscal 2025 and 2026 Navy construction projects in Malakal Port in Palau; and Yap Port in the Federated States of Micronesia.
After award of this modification, the total cumulative contract value will be $19,26 million. Work is expected to be completed by May 2024. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Southwest in San Diego made the award, according to a June 13 release from the U.S. Department of Defense.
GHD provides engineering, environmental and construction services in multiple locations, and has an office in Guam. GHD is a longtime participant in the annual Bank of Guam ASC Trust list of the Top Companies in Micronesia in Guam Business Magazine. COWI is an architectural and engineering consultancy with headquarters in Demark and offices worldwide.
In other news related to military construction, the quarterly CNMI Stakeholders was conducted by the Indo-Pacific Command on June 6 and 7, according to releases from the Northern Mariana Islands Office of the Governor.
Items discussed included the 2023 CNMI Military Training Outlook, updates on the Tinian Port, port calls on Saipan, the CNMI Joint Military Training meetings which discussed the updated Environmental Impact Statement on Tinian, and the upcoming Innovative Readiness Training in July, according to the Office of the Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Acting Gov. David M. Atapang, Major Gen. Mark A. Hashimoto, commander of INDOPACOM; as well as NMI and military officials attended. Rear Adm. Benjamin R. Nicholson, commander of Joint Region Marianas, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Jeffrey J. Kilian attended the meeting virtually.
Meetings were also held on the updated Environmental Impact Statement Description of Proposed Action and Alternatives for the Tinian Divert Airfield.
The revised EIS will reflect significant changes proposed in response to the 2015 EIS. Notable changes included the removal of Pagan from the proposal, no use of artillery, no aviation delivery munitions on Tinian, no amphibious ramps, no special use air space, significantly reduced range footprint, expanded non-military access, and co-use of the Military Lending Act.
Federal legislation for pregnant women coming up
Set to go into effect on June 27, the Pregnant Women’s Fairness Act requires employers to offer reasonable accommodations for qualifying federal, private, and public sector employees with known limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, or other related medical problems outlined under the Act, unless the provision will cause an employer undue hardship.
The EEOC said examples of possible reasonable accommodations including the ability to sit or drink water; receive closer parking; have flexible hours; receive appropriately sized uniforms and safety apparel; receive additional break time to use the bathroom, eat, and rest; take leave or time off to recover from childbirth; and be excused from strenuous activities and/or activities that involve exposure to compounds not safe for pregnancy.
A public law passed in Guam in 2015 addressed the rights of women to breastfeed.
After June 27, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will accept complaints or charges.
NMI continues push for Korean flights
Gov. Arnold I. Palacios; Marianas Visitor Authority Acting Chairperson of the Marianas Visitors Authority Gloria C. Cavanagh, who is also the vice president of Mariana Eland; and MVA Managing Director Christopher Concepcion; met with officials of the South Korea Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport to discuss the expansion of air service from South Korea to Saipan the week of June 5. The group also met with T’way Air, and as earlier reported Jeju Air.
In addition, according to Aeroroutes, Asiana Airlines will increase its Seoul-Saipan frequency from four weekly flights to seven from July 1 to Aug. 31, flying the Airbus a321neo. From Sept. 27 to Oct 5, Asiana will fly the Airbus A330-300 on the route, which has a lower passenger capacity.
In other NMI news, the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp will receive $1,700,000 to expand community partnerships and address health disparities, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response announced June 8. The grant will expand community partnerships to address health disparities, access and functional needs, and other at-risk populations, according to a June 10 release from the office of Gregorio C. “Kilili” Sablan, the NMI’s delegate to Congress. The grant program was created and funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Gregorio C. "Kilili" Sablan, the Northern Mariana Islands delegate to Congress, responded to the Saipan Chamber of Commerce regarding its request seeking assistance in including the CW-1 visa in the list of non-immigrant visas eligible for a waiver of in-person interviews, due to the delay in scheduling them.
Sablan contacted the U.S. Department of State and confirmed that the CW-1 visa is already included in the interview waiver.
While the State Department grants non-immigrant visa interview waivers at the discretion of consular offices, they advised that CW-1 applicants should follow the same procedure as detailed for B1/B2 visa applicants, as outlined by their country-specific U.S. Embassies. For example, the procedure for the Manila Embassy can be found at [https://ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-visarenewb1b2.asp]. It details situations that make a waiver possible.
Attorney found guilty of felony and misdemeanors
John Bordallo Bell was found guilty of terrorizing as a third-degree felony, three counts of unlawful restraint as misdemeanors, and two counts of assault as misdemeanors. By statute, Bell also will be required to register on the Sex Offender Registry due to his unlawful restraint convictions. While on pretrial release, Bell was found to have violated the terms of that release more than once. “Bell faces a maximum of eight years in jail and our office will be seeking the maximum sentence,” a June12 release from the Office of the Attorney General of Guam said.
Bell was licensed to practice law in Guam and California. His specializations included labor and employment law, personal injury, medical malpractice, consumer law, and general civil litigation.
Post typhoon updates:
The Office of the Governor of Guam said June 10 a funding request for $26.6 million had been submitted to the U.S. Department of Labor and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the administration and payment of the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program. DUA benefits will be retroactive to the week beginning May 28 and can be paid up to the week ending Nov. 25 if the individual remains eligible for DUA. The computed weekly assistance amount for the territory of Guam is $384 as determined by U.S. DOL. For more information, contact GDOL at 671-475-7000/1 or visit dol.guam.gov.
Guam Power Authority awaits additional equipment
Crews are restoring the transmission line along Route 16. High-reach bucket trucks are anticipated to arrive this week via FEMA-chartered air transportation, allowing the major repairs to the main transmission lines to accelerate.
Additional bucket trucks sourced by DoD and FEMA are expected to arrive over the next two weeks, allowing line crews to address repair and restoration in more areas.
Customers restored – 64.2%; load restored – 81.5%. As work to restore power to all customers and stabilize the island’s power grid, GPA officials reiterated that power could be interrupted.
Guam Waterworks Authority officials lifted the precautionary boil-water notice in areas with stable water service, meaning areas with adequate pressure, chlorine residual levels in the water, and water sampling and analysis which indicate the water in GWA’s distribution system is clear of any contaminants. As of 2 p.m., June 13, GWA lifted its Precautionary Boil Water Notice completely for the Southern Water System, which includes all areas served by the Ugum Surface Water Treatment Plant from Ipan Talofofo to Humatak. For the Northern and Central Water Systems, GWA is adjusting its Precautionary Boil Water Notice which will now be applicable only to the village of Mangilao, and isolated areas in Barrigada, Ordot-Chalan Pago, Dededo, and Yigo. Visit http://guamwaterworks.org/precautionary-boil-water-notice for more information.
Telecom update:
Docomo Pacific is now posting updates on its website at www.bettertogether.pr.co
GTA said its main challenge is keeping generators fueled and maintained while GPA works to restore island power. GTA’s core network is fully operational and off-island internet connections are stable with ample capacity.
Most of GTA’s core network sites are on island power, and most of its wireless network cell sites are operational.
Post-typhoon grants and loans:
The Guam Visitors Bureau will launch the Tourism Assistance Program on June 14 with $2 million to assist small businesses that support the tourism industry through grants of up to $25,000, with the goal that these businesses reopen for GVB’s summer campaign period in mid-July.
The small business must be a local tourism-related business that will re-open on or before July 15; certify the business is directly related to or in support of international or military guests visiting Guam; and provide evidence of economic/financial hardship or can provide evidence of damage associated with Typhoon Mawar. To apply, go to guamvisitorsbureau.com, call GVB at (671) 646-5278 or visit GVB.
Low-interest U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans are now available to certain private nonprofit organizations in Guam following the federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance as a result of Typhoon Mawar. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.
Private nonprofit organizations should contact Public Assistance Director Joseph Cabana of Guam Homeland Security and Office of Civil Defense by calling (671) 475-9600 or emailing [email protected] to obtain information about applicant briefings. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/.
Loans are up to $2 million, with an interest rate of 2.375% with terms up to 30 years. The deadline to apply for property damage is Aug. 8. The deadline to apply for economic injury is March 11, 2024.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster assistance may be available to non-citizen nationals and qualified aliens. If you do not meet the status of either U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien, your household may still apply for and be considered for IHP assistance if another adult member of your household meets the eligibility criteria and certifies their citizenship status, or you are the parent or guardian of a minor who is a U.S. citizen.
Apply for FEMA aid at disasterassistance.gov, by using the FEMA mobile app, by calling 800-621-3362 (The Helpline is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week at no cost for Guam residents) or by stopping by a Disaster Recovery Center located at Guam Community College, Dededo Sports Complex, C.L. Taitano Elementary School and Inarahan Community Center (open seven days a week 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Port of Guam update:
Matson’s Matsonia is due to dock June 13 with 35 refrigerated containers, 446 dry goods containers and 252 vehicles. APL’s CC Herodote is due arrive June 14 and is slated to discharge 30 refrigerated containers and 418 dry goods containers. Barge S-2011 is due to arrive June 14 with 41 containers of dry goods, two vehicles and two pallets of general cargo.
All three gantry cranes are now operational, the port said.
SNAP benefits update:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants will receive an “Automated Mass Replacement” of their May benefit. SNAP participants will receive 50% of their May benefit placed directly in their account after 7 p.m. June 12.
SNAP participants who submitted an affidavit for the “Food Loss Program” and requested an amount less than 50% of their May benefit will automatically have the difference between their award and the 50% provided to them. If the SNAP participant requested more than 50% through the “Food Loss Program,” and were awarded that amount, those participants will not receive additional benefits.
For residents who are not SNAP participants, the Department of Health and Social Services is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Services on a Disaster SNAP program. Individuals can contact the Bureau of Economic Security for any questions on (671) 300-8873. mbj