Last Ports and Customs Subcommittee meeting was held on Friday, January 04, 2008, 2:00 p.m. at the PAG boardroom.
 
DISCUSSION POINTS
 
a. NOVEMBER 11, 2007 IGIA MEETING, Washington D.C.  

1. Chairman Ken Tagawa provided the agenda and a rundown of the 2nd IGIA meeting.

2. Reported that during the presentation on the OMB process, it was explained that budgets for FYs ’08, and ’09 are pretty much done, and the next cycle would be 2010. From the port’s perspective that is too late because that year is when the major influx of cargo is set to take place (construction boom.) 

3. During a priority issue session for the port, the Chairman presented the Management Strategy and PBI Nira Ratnathicam presented the progress of the agency’s Master Plan and the methodology used to formulate the plan detailing the need and timing for the PAG’s request for funding. These presentations were well-received by the federal officials.

4. A meeting was held with MARAD officials on the following day. It is understood that MARAD will need special federal legislation in order for the entity to assist in the development/modernization of the PAG, as they did with the Port of Anchorage. Guam would have to get assistance from the Congresswoman’s Office. It was clarified though that MARAD would only act as a “facilitator” in dealing with federal agencies –  as they do not have money to finance any projects.

b. PORT AUTHORITY MASTER PLAN

1. On their last visit to Guam, PBI met with subcommittee members to discuss their needs and incorporate them into the planning.

 
2. DRAFT plan expected to be presented to the PAG by mid-January.

3. OEA grant Phase II included a funding request for the PAG’s Financial Feasibility Plan. The request is still being reviewed. GovGuam is still waiting for official notification of award.
 
c. CMTF Village Meetings

1. Port staff participated in the village meetings held from December 4-6, 2007. Few inquiries were given from attendees.

2. The next round of village meetings will not be scheduled until new information is released.
 
d. NEW DEVELOPMENTS

1. Government agencies are asked to submit their needs in support of the military buildup to make the FY09 and FY10 Executive budgets. Those budgets are requested to be separate from their normal budget submissions. BBMR staff is available for assistance. The deadline is February 29, 2008.

2. GAO visit – January 31, 2008 meeting is with CMTF members & Subcommittee Chairs.  GAO is here to conduct a survey for its Overseas Master Planning on Guam's Military Expansion - status update from the last visit in 2006.  A report was published in September 2007, all agencies to review it and note any comments that GAO should be aware of, such as challenges your agency(ies) are encountering, etc.

3. In addition to the monthly reports, weekly reports are requested, if anything new transpires.

4. Monthly Ports & Customs Subcommittee meetings will be held on the last Friday of every month, 2pm at the PAG Boardroom.

5. After much discussion about the public perception of PAG’s capabilities, or lack thereof, Lt. Dean Hansen suggested that a couple of informational slides on logistical operations be used for any public outreach activity to paint a less gloomy, more realistic picture of what is expected here at the PAG during the Guam build up.