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BBMR director asks Guam Legislature to approve $25M emergency appropriation as typhoon approaches
Summary
BBMR Director Lester Carlson told the Committee of the Whole the $25 million general‑fund request would allow proactive pre‑storm response (rentals, heavy equipment, mayoral assistance, shelter readiness) and post‑storm recovery if needed; senators pressed for a breakdown between response and recovery, stronger reporting requirements, and alternatives such as tapping the rainy‑day fund.
BBMR Director Lester Carlson told the Guam Legislature’s Committee of the Whole on April 11 that the administration is seeking a $25 million general‑fund appropriation to prepare for and respond to an approaching typhoon, and to cover recovery costs if the storm causes damage.
Carlson said the storm was currently stationary and forecast to strengthen and pass over Guam, and that the governor’s emergency declaration—normally funded at $250,000—would not be sufficient for large‑scale preparation and response. "$250,000 doesn't get you much backhoe rental when you're down in the Barcinas area," he said, describing the need to rent heavy equipment, stage supplies at shelters and provide mayors with immediate funds for local response.
Why it matters: the bill would draw directly from the general fund to create a ready pool of money for proactive measures—clearing drainage in flood‑prone neighborhoods, renting equipment, and moving supplies to seven predesignated shelter schools—so the government can act before roofs are lost or roads are blocked. The…
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