Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo today issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Navy’s recent announcement that it has awarded a $14 million task order for beginning work on the second increment of Apra Harbor Wharf Improvements. The Congresswoman supported this military construction project, which was $40 million overall, in the Fiscal Year 2011 National Defense Authorization Act. NAVFAC Marianas issued a Request for Proposal for this project to all Small Business Multiple Award Construction Contract holders on September 28, 2012.

“The Navy’s awarding of this task order demonstrates progress in moving forward with the military buildup in a timelier manner,” said Congresswoman Bordallo. “These infrastructure improvements at Apra Harbor are directly tied to the realignment of Marines from Okinawa to Guam, and are critical to supporting mission requirements of the Navy and Marine Corps. Moreover, these projects create jobs and are one of the many economic opportunities that may benefit our island’s local businesses. Although I am encouraged that the Navy is moving forward with this project, there is still more work in reducing hurdles to move forward with the overall realignment. As such, I continue to work toward ensuring the defense bill for fiscal year 2013 maintains provisions that would roll back Senate restrictions on spending military construction funds directed to military installations on Guam.”