[ad_1]
In 2006, the United States and Japan came to an agreement about moving 8,000 military personnel from Okinawa to the island of Guam. There were two major problems in the way of this expansion; Guam’s outdated commercial port and having access to enough workers to actually complete the projects. This led to changes in immigration law that would allow Guam employers to hire seasonal workers that do not count toward their annual 66,000 allowance.
The first order of business is underway with a massive $193 million dollar port improvement project currently in progress. The commercial port of Guam annually deals with 100,000 containers, but in order to deal with the construction materials needed to build bases, hospitals, schools and more the port will need the capability to handle twice that number. Extensions of the current wharf and container storage area will be needed to handle the influx of ships and containers of supplies.
Infrastructure Improvements
With the two main barriers, being dealt with infrastructure concerns will have to be addressed as well. The islands infrastructure of roads, utilities and bridges is outdated to say the least and in order to support the Guam base build up they will have to be improved upon. In July 2010, an environmental impact study was completed determining what the most responsible use of the aquifer will entail as well as assessing the improvements for the islands sewage and water treatment facilities.
Bottom Line
Construction jobs may be waning in the United States but the Guam base buildup promises more opportunity than ever before. Guam bid requests have already started trickling out with around $4 billion already awarded to seven companies. The pace is quickening on the military expansion plans and very soon, there will likely be additions of residential housing, roads, sidewalks and everything else that goes into making modern conveniences a reality for more people. There are concerns of course from local citizens about the impact of so many people moving to their island at one time, but with the right planning the Guam base buildup promises to be an opportunity for people on several levels.
[ad_2]
Source by George Chappell
