From the onset of the Leon Guerrero Tenorio Administration, General Manager Rory J. Respicio has been taking every opportunity to strengthen the Port’s relationship with federal partners and aggressively pursuing federal monies to make the Port of Guam a more resilient and sustainable facility. The network and relationships that have been established during the past several years has resulted in the Port’s messaging now being heard and addressed by policymakers in Congress and federal agencies’ leadership in Washington DC.

“Our message is getting out there – if the Port isn’t ready, then the military will not be ready to move critical assets to and from Guam’s only commercial seaport,” said Respicio. “With increased military presence in the region and the geopolitical landscape in Asia, Guam’s maritime posture is critically important to DOD’s Pacific Deterrence Initiative.”On a recent trip to Washington DC, Respicio and Port Board member Conchita Taitano visited newly-elected Congressman James Moylan who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Natural Resources Committee - both of these Committees address issues that are vital to Guam.

Respicio and Taitano briefed Congressman Moylan of the Port’s challenges with the grant requirement to the Buy American Act, which has been an obstacle for the Port in acquiring new Ship-To-Shore (STS) gantry cranes and acquiring steel for the rehabilitation of Hotel Wharf with the use of federal funds. Recognizing the urgency of this matter, Congressman Moylan has pledged his support and is ready to assist the Port in pushing the Port’s concerns in Congress.

The Port team also paid a courtesy visit to Rear Admiral Ann C. Phillips, US Navy (Ret.) Administrator of USDOT’s Maritime Administration (MARAD). As head of the MARAD, Phillips advises and assists the Secretary of Transportation on commercial maritime matters, to include the movement of goods, supply chain, as well as the U.S. maritime industry, environment and compliance, ports and waterways infrastructure, and strategic sealift. She engages public and private stakeholders in the maritime industry and oversees the U.S Merchant Marine Academy.

Phillips also oversees MARAD’s programs to improve and modernize the nation’s maritime network by administering the unprecedented investment in ports and waterways made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including $2.25 billion to be awarded over the next five years through the Port Infrastructure Development Program and $25 million for the America’s Marine Highway Program.

This visit was essential in bringing light to the Port’s struggles with the Buy American Act restrictions. GM Respicio and Director Taitano explained the Port’s dilemma with implementing two critical projects due to the restrictions of this regulation. Having served on Guam while in the Navy, Phillips empathized with the Port’s position and gave her support to bring this issue up the chain of command. As a former Admiral, Phillips recognizes Guam’s strategic importance to the nation’s indo-pacific strategy and security, particularly now with China’s aggression in the region.