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Legislature clears authority for temporary Simon Sanchez classrooms so Guam can use $8 million in FEMA funds
Summary
Lawmakers authorized the Guam Housing Corporation and the Department of Education to enter an agreement to site temporary modular classrooms for Simon Sanchez High School on a Guam Housing parcel and added language making the provision effective immediately upon enactment to preserve time‑sensitive FEMA funding.
The Committee adopted an amendment authorizing Guam Housing Corporation and the Guam Department of Education to enter a memorandum of understanding to use part of Lot 10119‑12 R2 for temporary Simon Sanchez High School classrooms, and clarified the provision’s immediate effectiveness so agencies can begin planning and procurement without waiting for the new fiscal year.
Ranking Member Tina Munoz Barnes explained the amendment: the site is already under Guam Housing control, and FEMA has made $8 million available for temporary modular classrooms. She said the amendment does not permanently rezone the land but authorizes temporary educational use and asked colleagues to allow prompt execution of the MOU so students can return to their home village.
Senators pressed for a construction timeline and whether $8 million remains adequate in current market conditions. The ranking member said DOE and Guam Housing told her funds are secured and the modular approach is the intended delivery method; others urged the oversight chairs to monitor plans and cost estimates. Senator Boire and other members also offered a clarifying amendment to make the temporary‑use provisions effective immediately upon enactment, which supporters said was necessary to avoid losing FEMA funds pending procurement.
After amendments clarifying immediate effectiveness and reporting, the provision passed on the floor. Several senators asked the oversight committee to follow up with GDOE and Guam Housing to confirm plans, procurement schedules and whether the FEMA award requires any matching or change orders.
