Sen. Joe S. San Agustine said Monday he will not pursue a legislative override for Bill 7-38, the Fadi’an quarry bill that was vetoed by acting Gov. Josh Tenorio.
The bill would have authorized the CHamoru Land Trust Commission to solicit bids for grading and mineral extraction on a lot in Mangilao near the Gloria B. Nelson Public Services Building.
The original plan was to use money from the lease to pay for surveys and infrastructure for CLTC properties. The bill also called for the development of residences on the property once quarry operations were concluded.
But the proposal met with resistance from environmental groups and people living near the property. Concerns were raised about the destruction of limestone forest, displacing native species, and inhibiting access to Fadi’an Cove.
"With the veto of Bill 7, despite the positive financial and landform gains the CLTC will benefit, I will not pursue an override of the veto,” San Agustin said in a news release Monday. “I am confident that the CLTC will work toward getting more lands leased to our families with the resources they have.”
The bill was approved by a vote of 9-5, with one senator absent. Ten votes are required to override a veto.
