Guam Sen. Shawn Gumataotao introduced a bill Tuesday to transfer CHamoru Land Trust property in Malesso’ to the Guam National Guard for use as a military training area.
The lease or transfer of the 242-acre property – located across from Bile Bay around the Guam Waterworks facilities - was requested last year in a letter from National Guard Adjutant General Michael Cruz.
In the letter, Cruz said the National Guard needed land for dismounted personnel maneuvers, support areas such as restrooms, bleacher, parking and an all-weather access road and bivouac areas for up to battalion-sized units with motorized and trailer-mounted equipment. No live fire ranges would be built on the property.
The National Guard would pay for all costs of developing the property, and the land would be available for use by the public or other law enforcement and response agencies.
Under Bill 182-38, the Guam National Guard and the Malesso’ Municipal Planning Council would establish a Memorandum of Agreement guiding the public’s use of National Guard training areas and facilities on the property.
The bill notes that revenue may be available to support projects such as the expansion of or improvements to community centers, public parks, sports fields and public gathering areas.
