GAO to check on Guam build-up progress

GAO to check on Guam build-up progress Federal officials are set to visit Guam in January to check on progress being made in preparation for the U.S. military transfer of forces and dependents on Okinawa to Guam set to start in 2010.
   The team from the U.S. Government Accountability Office will review several items detailed in the congressional watchdog agency's review released in September, including substandard conditions of several roads, a lack of adequate funding to upgrade port facilities, 'antiquated' power transmission quality and equipment, and wastewater treatment facilities operating at 'near capacity.'
   The September report stated that 'a key component of the U.S. Pacific Command's integrated global presence and basing strategy is the proposed military buildup on the island of Guam.'
   However, the GAO also said that the U.S. Defense Department was concerned that more than $1 billion in funding required for the military build-up on the island had 'not yet [been] fully identified and may be difficult to meet.'