AGP Executive Report

Deep-Sea Mining: Guam’s mayors will seek a Marianas-wide resolution opposing seabed mining at their next regional assembly, extending the island’s push to protect the Pacific. Air Travel: Passenger traffic at A.B. Won Pat International Airport was nearly flat month to month at 106,321 in October, though flights and passenger capacity rose year over year; the airport authority is seeking funds for fuel infrastructure. Energy: Guam’s utility won approval for $32.5 million in credit lines to help cover fuel purchases amid price volatility. GPA was also selected for a $21.2 million grid modernization project. Industrial Development: GEDA is seeking land for an industrial and technology park, a potential boost to Guam’s business base.

Energy Costs: Guam’s utilities commission approved $32.5 million in credit lines for GPA to help pay for fuel shipments; borrowing will be repaid through power bills, while the utility still faces a projected shortfall on its October fuel payment. Deep-Sea Mining: Guam’s coastal management program objected to a federal finding that proposed seabed mineral leases near the Marianas would have no coastal effects, as officials prepare to auction leases this December. Inter-island Trade: New CNMI rules require boats leaving Guam to carry proof that vessels and cargo passed brown tree snake inspections, adding a biosecurity step for shipments and small-vessel operators. Industrial Development: GEDA is seeking land for an industrial and technology park, while UOG researchers are testing whether recycled plastics and other local materials can support construction and reduce reliance on imports. Infrastructure: GPA was selected for a $21.2 million grid modernization project, and a Guam bill would set faster deadlines for procurement protests over the delayed Simon Sanchez High School rebuild. Agriculture: Farmers and conservation groups ranked pest pressure as Guam’s top natural-resource concern, with feral swine identified as a major threat to farms and land.

Power Costs: Guam’s utilities commission approved $32.5 million in credit lines for GPA’s fuel purchases; borrowing will be repaid through the LEAC, whose rate remains unchanged. Biosecurity & Trade: CNMI now requires boats up to 55 feet departing Guam to carry proof that the vessel and cargo passed brown tree snake inspections, adding a new step for inter-island shipments. Deep-Sea Mining: A new company is seeking Pacific seabed exploration rights as Guam’s Coastal Management Program objects to proposed mineral leases near the Marianas, raising fresh questions about island impacts. Pacific Shipping: Matson christened the first of three new containerships, part of a roughly $1 billion investment; the vessel is set to enter service in 2027. Energy & Workforce: GPA was selected for a $21.2 million grid modernization project, while 72 students explored construction trades at a Guam Contractors Association hands-on training event. Local Materials: UOG researchers are testing whether recycled plastics can be turned into construction materials, potentially reducing reliance on imports.

Maritime Biosecurity: New CNMI emergency rules require small vessels arriving from Guam to show they were inspected for brown treesnakes, tightening checks as recovery shipments increase. Shipping: Matson christened the first of three new containerships, part of a roughly $1 billion investment in Pacific cargo capacity; the vessel is slated to enter service in 2027. Tourism: Guam lawmakers will hear Oct. 16 from tourism businesses and community groups as the island considers a more community-focused, culturally grounded recovery plan. Industrial Development: GEDA is searching for land for a proposed industrial and technology park to attract sectors such as data and clean technology, but has not set a location or timeline. Deep-Sea Mining: Guam’s Coastal Management Program objected to a federal finding that proposed mineral leases near the Marianas would have no coastal impacts; an auction is planned for December. Logistics: USPS now estimates some packages traveling to or from Guam may take 10 days or more, with the revised timelines in effect since Oct. 1. Local Production: University of Guam researchers are testing ways to turn discarded plastics into construction materials, aiming to reduce reliance on imports and build local manufacturing capacity.

Property Development: A municipal council recommended no objection to converting Tumon Bay Mall into an iLearn Academy campus, potentially bringing 40 classrooms to the long-vacant site. Final approval still requires land-use permits. Seabed Mining: Guam’s Coastal Management Program objected to a federal finding that mineral leases across more than 67 million acres near the Marianas would not affect Guam’s coastal zone; an auction is planned for December. Infrastructure & Environment: Reporting on contaminated drinking water in Yigo is renewing scrutiny of pollution risks amid the military buildup. Shipping: USPS now estimates some package deliveries to and from Guam may take 10 days or more, as shipments shift mainly to surface transport. Local Manufacturing: University of Guam researchers are testing whether recycled plastics and other local materials can be turned into construction products, potentially reducing reliance on imports. Workforce: A Guam Contractors Association event introduced 72 students to construction trades as the industry seeks skilled workers. Economic Diversification: GEDA is seeking land for a proposed industrial and technology park, with data and clean technology among the sectors it hopes to attract.

Water and Development: Investigative reporting found banned pesticide dieldrin in a Yigo well for years, raising fresh concerns about the military buildup’s effects on Guam communities. The Navy says tests of active military wells in 2025 found no levels above local limits. Island Logistics: USPS now estimates some packages to and from Guam will take 10 days or more, with Ground Advantage shipments primarily traveling by surface; prices are unchanged. Industrial Growth: GEDA is scouting land for an industrial and technology park aimed at attracting data and clean-tech businesses, though no site or timeline is set. Local Materials: UOG and Guam Green Growth researchers are testing whether recycled plastics and other local resources can be turned into construction materials, reducing import dependence. Workforce: A Guam Contractors Association event gave 72 students hands-on exposure to construction trades as the industry seeks skilled workers. Fishing Economy: Pelagic fishing revenue rose 39% to $163,621 in 2025, but fishers reported trip costs still exceeded sales.

Shipping: USPS now estimates some Priority Mail and Ground Advantage shipments to and from Guam will take 10 days or more, as packages shift mainly to surface transport; prices are unchanged. Local Materials: University of Guam researchers are testing whether discarded plastics and other island resources can become construction materials, reducing import dependence and building local manufacturing capacity. Workforce: Seventy-two students tried construction trades at a Guam Contractors Association event, as the industry seeks skilled workers. Industrial Growth: GEDA is looking for land for a proposed industrial and technology park, with data and clean technology among its target industries; no site or timeline is set. Regional Trade: Guam businesses are pursuing opportunities in Palau across construction, housing, retail and other sectors. Energy: GPA was selected to negotiate a $21.2 million federal grid-modernization award, including upgrades to strengthen transmission in northern Guam.

Construction Workforce: Seventy-two students tried welding, surveying, heavy equipment, plumbing and electrical work at the Guam Contractors Association’s Trades Academy, as local builders look to grow the skilled workforce. Industrial Development: GEDA is seeking land for a proposed industrial and technology park aimed at attracting data and clean-technology businesses; its location, cost and timeline remain undecided. Commercial Fishing: Guam’s pelagic fishing revenue rose 39% to $163,621 in 2025, but lower catches and trip costs that exceed sales returns continue to pressure fishers. Power Infrastructure: GPA was selected to advance award negotiations for a proposed $21.2 million grid project, including underground transmission upgrades in northern Guam. Regional Business: Guam companies are pursuing opportunities in Palau across construction, insurance, housing, food retail and beverage distribution after a trade mission.

Industrial Development: GEDA is seeking land for a proposed industrial and technology park to attract data and clean-technology businesses. The plan is in early site-identification, with no location, cost or timeline set. Utilities: GPA was selected to negotiate a $21.2 million federal award for grid upgrades, including undergrounding the Harmon-Dededo transmission corridor and adding monitoring technology to improve reliability for nearly 6,000 customers. Business Growth: Guam companies are pursuing opportunities in Palau after a trade mission that explored investment in construction, housing, food retail and distribution. Small Business: SBA nominations are open for its 2027 awards, including Guam’s Small Business Person of the Year; applications are due Dec. 7. Agriculture and Environment: USDA has $5 million for wetlands and floodplain conservation, but says Guam has no conservation-easement partners. Applications are due Nov. 19. Tourism: A proposed shift toward community-centered tourism would put local businesses, farmers and cultural practitioners at the heart of recovery efforts.

Regional Business: Guam companies are pursuing opportunities in Palau in construction, insurance, housing, food retail and beverage distribution after a trade mission with government and business leaders. Mining & Environment: A Marianas seabed-mining lawsuit will proceed without a separate hearing, as a ruling in a similar Samoa case could shape the dispute. Port Security: CNMI rules now require small vessels arriving from Guam to show they were inspected for brown treesnakes before departure. Tourism: Guam lawmakers will hear Oct. 16 from local businesses and cultural groups on a recovery plan focused on residents and CHamoru culture, not just visitor numbers. Power & Utilities: GPA was selected to negotiate a $21.2 million federal grid project to underground the Harmon-Dededo corridor and strengthen service for nearly 6,000 customers; funding is not final until an award is signed. Business Costs: Guam’s business privilege tax fell from 5% to 4% on Oct. 1. The Chamber says the cut offers relief, but businesses still need customers and stronger basic services.

Regional Trade: Guam businesses are pursuing opportunities in Palau after a trade mission focused on construction, insurance, housing, food retail and beverage distribution. Energy Infrastructure: GPA was selected to negotiate $21.2 million in federal funding for a project to strengthen the northern grid, including underground transmission lines and monitoring technology. Tourism: Guam is considering a community-centered recovery plan that puts local culture, small businesses and residents’ experiences alongside visitor growth. Business Climate: The business privilege tax fell to 4% on Oct. 1, but the Chamber says affordability and demand remain key concerns for local companies. Shipping and Biosecurity: High winds knocked three seaport cranes offline, with repairs underway; new CNMI rules also require small vessels arriving from Guam to show they were inspected for brown treesnakes. Mining: A federal lawsuit challenging environmental approval for proposed Marianas seabed leases will proceed without a separate hearing, with a ruling in a related Samoa case potentially shaping the outcome.

Grid Investment: GPA was selected to negotiate a $21.2 million federal investment to underground the Harmon-Dededo transmission corridor and add monitoring technology, strengthening service for nearly 6,000 customers. Funding is not final until negotiations conclude and an award is signed. Power Work: Crews will close the outer southbound lane of Route 1 in Piti on Oct. 10 and 11 for transmission-line work supporting renewable energy projects. Tourism: An Oct. 16 legislative hearing will gather ideas from small businesses, farmers, artisans and cultural practitioners on a community-centered approach to rebuilding the visitor economy. Business Climate: Guam’s business privilege tax fell to 4% on Oct. 1, but the Chamber says relief will count for little without customers, reliable services and broader economic growth. Workforce: The deadline for students to apply for the paid In-School Youth Year-Round Program is extended to Oct. 24; placements connect students with private-sector employers. Port Logistics: Guam’s seaport is recovering after high winds knocked three cranes out of service, with Gantry 6 nearing operation.

Power & Infrastructure: The U.S. Department of Energy selected GPA’s $21.2 million grid-modernization project for award negotiations. The plan would strengthen transmission in northern Guam and improve real-time monitoring, but funding is not final until negotiations conclude. Business Climate: Guam’s business privilege tax fell from 5% to 4% on Oct. 1. Chamber leaders say the cut offers relief, but businesses still need customers and reliable public services to grow. Workforce & Sustainability: UOG’s Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant received $550,000 to expand watershed restoration and train workers through a second GROW Conservation Corps season. Shipping: The Port of Guam says cargo operations continued after high winds knocked cranes offline; Gantry 4 is operating, while repairs and checks continue on cranes 5 and 6. Health Facilities: GMHA secured a $1.41 million USDA grant for roof and exterior repairs and typhoon shutters, helping harden the hospital against storms. CNMI Business: Saipan businessman James Kim is looking to connect local firms with Korean suppliers and investors, building on food-import, shipping and distribution operations.

Green Workforce: Guam Green Growth is linking conservation with job training through corps programs that give residents hands-on experience in agriculture, aquaculture, renewable energy and restoration. Environmental Regulation: The U.S. Supreme Court appeared wary of dismissing a challenge to Air Force munitions disposal at Tarague Beach, where the site sits above an aquifer supplying much of Guam’s drinking water. Port Operations: Cargo kept moving after high winds damaged gantry cranes. Gantry 4 is operating, while Gantry 6 nears a key repair milestone; vessel schedules have shifted. Power Costs: The utilities commission approved $32.5 million in financing for GPA fuel purchases, helping manage payment timing but not reducing fuel costs or customer surcharges. Business Climate: Guam’s Chamber says a lower business tax rate alone won’t revive sales, as gubernatorial candidates face calls to improve services and support businesses beyond construction. Hospital Resilience: GMHA secured a $1.41 million USDA grant for roof, wall and storm-shutter improvements following Typhoon Mawar.

Business Climate: Gubernatorial candidates told Guam’s private-sector leaders that stores and restaurants are closing and retail sales are slowing despite the construction boom. The Chamber says the return of the 4% business tax is a help, not a recovery: businesses still need customers, reliable public services and a stronger local economy. Power Costs: The utilities commission approved $32.5 million in financing to help GPA manage fuel purchases. It won’t erase fuel surcharges, which have pushed the average ratepayer’s bill up about $146 a month. Sen. William Parkinson is seeking another source for proposed power credits after lawmakers directed $19.8 million in added federal revenue to GMHA. Healthcare Infrastructure: GMHA secured a $1.41 million USDA grant for roof and exterior repairs and typhoon shutters, helping cover work tied to Typhoon Mawar. Environmental Rules: The Supreme Court is weighing whether the Air Force must conduct environmental reviews before renewing a permit for munitions disposal at Tarague Beach, near an aquifer supplying much of Guam’s drinking water. Shipping: High winds knocked three Port of Guam ship-to-shore cranes out of service; repairs are underway, with officials assessing whether one could return before a vessel’s arrival. Small Business: SBA nominations are open for its 2027 awards, including a Guam small-business honor. Submissions are due Dec. 7.

Supreme Court Watch: Five briefs back Prutehi Guahan as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments Oct. 7 on whether the Air Force must do NEPA review before renewing open burn and open detonation permits for Tarague Beach in Yigo. Power & Utilities: The Consolidated Commission on Utilities approved $32.5M in financing for Guam Power Authority to cover higher fuel shipment costs through July 2027, while keeping the fuel surcharge/LEAC in place. Education Facilities: Tiyan High School’s campus passed a health inspection with an “A” and zero demerits, but students’ return is still being planned after ongoing plumbing responsibility and renovation work. Local Resources: Hagåtña installed a community fishing locker at the mayor’s office, letting residents and visitors rent rods and tackle for free. Business & Workforce: ACF Guam’s Burgerfest 2026 recognized culinary students with scholarships and awards, backing the island’s hospitality pipeline. Tech & Health: YD Bio and EG BioMed launched an AI-based online cancer risk assessment for 10 cancer types, priced at $10. Logistics: USPS lengthened delivery expectations for packages to and from Guam and other territories starting Oct. 1.