[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6486375,"mediaKeyId","5598215-616d460bf1ce8617b3097d3cb9bc30b1","parentId",5598215,"title","Lawmakers debate restoring $5 million for prison modernization as corrections leaders warn of safety risks","audioSeconds",4279,"startMs",1881000,"endMs",6160000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598215-616d460bf1ce8617b3097d3cb9bc30b1&start=1881&end=6160","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598215-616d460bf1ce8617b3097d3cb9bc30b1/thumbnail_1881000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6486375/Lawmakers-debate-restoring-5-million-for-prison-modernization-as-corrections-leaders-warn-of-safety-risks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486375-2e469a40a9cd762f83824ecba6df799f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580704&Signature=fgf05L68NWtRcjakcR9coU21BEw0J6xFwX2ILhp6DKJshlGio8~93ziA8qAV3uDqUDTTU~~zSMd7MrX~7SLOhYHYrazteY6drGusaziE4Rp7obIWRRb2hmUoOdUs7ia~OFa0ZF41EHaEujQ~01ELO7kieEZCqOFWJFlkq57sWjSYyCNtNetvqFtIbNfQLTe5SEEEXu7mqrtfo0f0CZuf6uCcoHlVgabUpDH9GmP0Ob2P7XDBRIEiPSI5P40W97tXBH5oz5TpUB9yZH829BJa~u7ieN2k0FhA3TRIIXAJVdPurSpPkC~XTcl-nKmOPqaDplprppWnWPrNQZE7KyT0xQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Guam Legislature","date","2025-08-19T02:58:35Z","article","Guam senators pressed for restoring $5 million in funding for the Department of Corrections (DOC) during the committee’s appropriations hearing, saying the agency still faces safety and compliance risks that modernization money was intended to fix.

The hearing record shows DOC leadership asking repeatedly for additional funding to restart architecture-and-engineering (A&E) work and renovation projects after an earlier procurement was canceled. Director statements read into the record and senators’ remarks stressed concern about the safety of corrections staff and detainees.

The budget materials presented by staff list DOC line items for FY26 including $34,234,475 from the general fund; $936,927 from the Department of Corrections Inmate Revolving Fund; and $19,995 from the Safe Streets Fund. The packet also lists a $495,252 outright appropriation from the general fund for in-custody costs for prisoners confined at federal facilities; $294,610 for user access and maintenance of the corrections management system; $3,650,000 (general fund) under an MOU with Guam Memorial Hospital for inmate health care services; and $1,645,540 to fund an FY26 recruit cycle of 20 corrections officers.

Senators pressed budget staff on why the FY26 bill does not include the $5 million that had been appropriated in FY25 for DOC infrastructure. Budget staff told the committee they omitted the $5 million because the A&E contract was canceled and there was no clear timeline for restarting procurement; one staffer said the $4,000,000 balance from last year remains available to DOC.

Several senators, including Senator Barnett and others, argued the money is still needed. Senator Barnett read a written warning attributed to DOC leadership into the record: “Don’t gamble with the lives of officers, staff, employees and the community of our island,” and urged colleagues to restore the appropriation so DOC can resume planning and immediate repairs.

Budget officials noted a prior amendment in FY25 that redirected $1,000,000 of a $5,000,000 appropriation to operational repairs; they said about $4,000,000 remains in the account. Staff described the original $5 million annual set-aside under the Modernization Act as intended to support future debt service if the government borrows to build a new prison.

Multiple senators and the chair of the public safety committee stressed that the DOC A&E procurement previously returned bids far above the $5 million—one procurement produced a vendor estimate of approximately $16 million—so the original appropriation would not cover the full cost of construction. Lawmakers debated whether to use remaining balances for urgent repairs and to re-initiate an A&E procurement, or to restore a separate $5 million appropriation to fund modernization planning and enable future financing.

Committee members described work still pending at the Attorney General’s office: the A&E contract for an initial phase was said to be awaiting legal signature. Several senators urged coordination among DOC, the Department of Public Works, GEDA and the governor’s office to identify a financing pathway and to ensure the $4 million already appropriated can be used immediately for repairs while the A&E process proceeds.

No final vote or appropriation change was recorded in the hearing transcript; senators said they had amendments prepared to restore $5 million during later stages of the bill.

Why it matters: Senators said delaying infrastructure work can exacerbate federal compliance risk, raise long-term costs, and imperil staff safety. Budget staff and multiple senators recommended clarifying procurement scope, confirming whether DPW or DOC leads the procurement, and coordinating financing before adding major capital appropriations.

What comes next: Senators indicated they would offer amendments during engrossment to restore funds or to reassign available balances to operational repairs; committee staff said they would follow up with DOC and DPW on the status of the A&E contract and on the remaining $4,000,000 balance.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","38th Guam Legislature FY2026 Budget Session - August 19, 2025 PM PT.1","oneSentenceSummary","Guam senators pressed for restoring $5 million in funding for the Department of Corrections modernization efforts at an appropriations hearing, warning that delays could jeopardize officer safety and federal compliance.","taxTitle","General Government Operations and Appropriations\t, Legislative, Guam, International","taxId",18139,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6486361,"Senators urge stronger funding for parks and rec as staff, lifeguard and restroom maintenance fall short",372,7420000,7792000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598215-616d460bf1ce8617b3097d3cb9bc30b1&start=7420&end=7792","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598215-616d460bf1ce8617b3097d3cb9bc30b1/thumbnail_7420000.jpg","/articles/6486361/Senators-urge-stronger-funding-for-parks-and-rec-as-staff-lifeguard-and-restroom-maintenance-fall-short","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486361-7df8078f1f04c8823bc7e044b276be8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580704&Signature=Fd1GC5K5HOjiCd0OuBdRN1s-Yy86yDjIimlaOYP-a3P80cxoZUMltudx5neKPmnAGSoVRD7-w3YaqtpMxaHJxoi8hcmJ-8Aipo1MW5cvxe-LTwP9Jlew7o0kT1mvJ7pa-q6N45WWAO7W9TxX3akTU-ZM4FIzhnS3Oad-BsO9c2nieg5z0F-yYJKONFSAIiygDelEBFTPaUbOaHqSqHZev6Ec0xOagahTBK-b8XvW1gY5jKUGqEU9gsoSXBKI7oC2BtQlv-ZB0iLwtf13tuP~3X9VZ1D0eNy-pxEDSPBtD0Dk6CufXxePZZ3W7NFIYoUsJT7SpBlBS~fJgsc7Uk62bQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senators raised concerns about the Department of Parks and Recreation’s (DPR) FY26 appropriation during the appropriations review, saying small cuts or flat funding could undermine maintenance of public beaches, pools and other recreation facilities.

Budget staff said the FY26 bill proposes $4,506,359 from the general fund for DPR, plus smaller special-fund sources and $400,000 from the Tourist Attraction Fund earmarked to maintain restroom facilities and two regional pool facilities. Staff said the FY26 figure represents a $16,461 decrease compared with the FY25/E BR level; the change reflects the agency’s own request and the EBR ceiling.

Senators described continuing problems: broken showers and restroom infrastructure at popular beaches (Ipao, EPOW/Metapeng were mentioned), irregular lifeguard coverage, and reductions in visitor safety officers. One senator told the committee that DPR’s territorial park patrol allocation totals $1,069,562 within the FY26 budget and that an additional $90,000 will fund civilian volunteer park officer reservists.

Committee members urged OFB and DPR leadership to find ways to sustain routine maintenance and staffing, and several senators suggested longer-term reforms such as devolving some DPR assets and responsibilities to village mayors or improving oversight to ensure maintenance funds are used efficiently. The chair and other members also mentioned recent federal funding losses to the Guam Historic Resources division and asked staff to explore remedies.

No final amendment was adopted at the hearing; senators said they would consider targeted amendments and asked for further documentation on federal grant changes and the department’s staffing pattern.

","Lawmakers questioned a slight FY26 decrease to Parks and Recreation and urged more funding for park maintenance, lifeguards, pools and restroom repairs. Staff said the administration's proposed FY26 amount is about $16,461 lower than FY25 in the EBR comparison; senators highlighted public-safety and tourism implications.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6486365,"Customs and Quarantine asks for $2.86M to fund automation, x-rays and canine costs; committee asks for details",0,11198000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598215-616d460bf1ce8617b3097d3cb9bc30b1&start=11198&end=11198","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598215-616d460bf1ce8617b3097d3cb9bc30b1/thumbnail_11198000.jpg","/articles/6486365/Customs-and-Quarantine-asks-for-286M-to-fund-automation-x-rays-and-canine-costs-committee-asks-for-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486365-660e88b8072bb4040a691d6ae8454a74/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580704&Signature=cng2uS8J51h04B7lFrzAqLUvlNvTyNYoPzg35YqOdeaRnQe9ghMA~8nWCtkMWcNEvnYcTNGQPdHOvZrhyHywnvoImJdC8evf6cspo0Wo-QNEYZvd0cuTlPs43TOT5GpU8IKcWciiOVVTCkOFxQYkzurM4ZSVg3k-3POTlQzbeipKiqU3CpCzhSWV8CSFCWF4HWZBHS1OTjZLV3ImhcM2KeYYmCjvpa6~ayCsaiX-N0fV~vK6-kJRj8-o9M5BCVu58m-g7KOtoxgibh2amdv4tS14NqJdNJDqD7nlmQ9LRTci-W5dKok0B2SPBXVAe772voFxlfh4sdWPSWvoHUCwgQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Customs and Quarantine (CQA) presented a supplemental request during the appropriations review seeking $2,857,890 for a set of operational upgrades and program needs.

Budget staff read the CQA letter listing specific requests: $170,225 as a local match for a PAG 2023 grant; $200,000 to acquire additional baggage x-ray machines for the airport; $150,000 for canine maintenance, including veterinary services and supplies; $251,253 for annual rental of current space; $1,300,000 for phase 3 of the Customs modernization automation project; $150,000 for equipment integration into the NetLEO communications system; and $636,612 to fund additional trainee positions (training of officers). The sum totals $2,857,890.

Committee members asked whether CQA would receive federal matching funds in FY26. Budget staff said FY25 included a federal-local match of about $1,230,000, but no separate federal match was indicated in CQA’s FY26 request; staff suggested that once a federal match is made, local matching obligations are typically satisfied for the life of the program. Committee members asked for a copy of the CQA letter and said they had amendments in draft addressing some of the requested items.

Senators flagged recurring issues: the agency’s airport passenger-fee revenue has fluctuated since COVID-19, which affects the quarantine/inspection fund’s receipts; staff noted the fund was tracking below projections by roughly $273,000 year to date. Committee members asked CQA to submit a revised EBR and fee schedule when available.

Why it matters: CQA’s modernization and automation efforts are intended to improve inspection processing and cargo screening at the port and airport. The committee sought more detail and documentation before deciding whether to fund the full request.

","Customs and Quarantine submitted a FY26 funding request totalling $2,857,890 for items including baggage x-ray machines, canine maintenance and phase 3 of a modernization automation project. Budget staff said FY25 included a federal-local match not repeated in the FY26 request.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6486370,"Police budget proposal increases by about $1.4M; senators discuss recruit cycles, cameras and Tumon precinct staffing",261,635000,896000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598215-616d460bf1ce8617b3097d3cb9bc30b1&start=635&end=896","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598215-616d460bf1ce8617b3097d3cb9bc30b1/thumbnail_635000.jpg","/articles/6486370/Police-budget-proposal-increases-by-about-14M-senators-discuss-recruit-cycles-cameras-and-Tumon-precinct-staffing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486370-9dc39b9fea34d90f20bf1d4de6c55112/orig.mp4?Expires=1773580704&Signature=fvUApC8bAI4Dp-q8BrY2QzB25sCkkrEaXEsUNleG-omxW71vJ0mY7-~2xVEWlhu7vlj0MKEHeHJXKRzxG1Bt7FgK7GLjJeFMuwUScdu15Yx7jj4oyHdxxG7Et-PzNqY7AfAn3PZAcYrJ8SlL0abI15Gx1P3xJV52YwWCJG1grsgHrMNyLb5fZlmjEqUPMjrnCrvo9gNn3JhLM5NmL2Fe-X2I9K-MJDcSbwekcEMvvo2MNCRNoPB1EVxNB3LH0Dht4sgQk22Fjr0QrQfCNwBXPfLRCX-x9w4TTpynrk1OcbmJFBxc8lM7fHiLjDQxpBzYPreVEpt8i5aR~fQd2zye~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee reviewed the Guam Police Department (GPD) FY26 appropriation and heard senators question staffing, recruit cycles and equipment spending.

Budget staff reported GPD’s FY26 request includes $53,618,873 from the general fund; $331,255 from the police patrol vehicle and equipment revolving fund; $1,070,049 from the Police Service Fund; and $4,550,556 from the Tourist Attraction Fund. Staff said the total budgeted package also includes $87,690 to fund GPD’s share of a message-switch maintenance agreement with the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (NetLec) and $142,585 for a “safe schools initiative.” The department also requested $1,085,311 to fund an FY26 recruit cycle of 20 police officers.

Budget staff told the committee the FY26 total is about $1,400,000 higher than FY25: roughly $900,000 of that increase in general fund and about $500,000 from special funds.

Senators pressed for details on recruit cycles and lapses. Staff explained that funding for recruit cycles is sometimes timed to when a cycle will start; if the department delays starting a cycle into later quarters, the appropriation can lapse. Staff also noted that though budgeted lapses are projected, overtime and other operating costs often reduce any lapse by fiscal year end. Senators expressed interest in ensuring school resource officer obligations can be met alongside new cycles, and asked whether the Tumon precinct staffing needs and beach coverage would be covered by the FY26 package; budget staff confirmed the appropriation includes the Tumon precinct.

Several senators praised GPD’s implementation of body-worn cameras and other reforms. One senator noted the cameras had completed training and general orders and said the law to implement cameras had unanimous support and was signed by the governor. Senators also discussed previous pay adjustments and retention bonuses intended to improve recruitment and retention.

No formal vote was recorded during the GPD discussion; senators said they may revisit vacancies, cycle timing and related personnel issues during later amendment rounds.

","Budget staff presented the Guam Police Department FY26 request, showing an approximately $1.4 million increase over FY25. Senators discussed funding for a recruit cycle of 20 officers, school resource officers, body-worn camera implementation and staffing for the Tumon precinct.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Lawmakers debate restoring $5 million for prison modernization as corrections leaders warn of safety risks

Senators urge stronger funding for parks and rec as staff, lifeguard and restroom maintenance fall short

Customs and Quarantine asks for $2.86M to fund automation, x-rays and canine costs; committee asks for details

Police budget proposal increases by about $1.4M; senators discuss recruit cycles, cameras and Tumon precinct staffing