FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (January 28, 2022 – Hagåtña, Guam)– With laser focused commitment to advancing the CHamoru Land Trust program, Speaker Therese Terlaje garnered a 13-0 vote in favor of the passage of Bill 229-36 (LS).  The measure would establish rules and regulations for the CLTC in compliance with its settlement agreement with the U.S. government.  The agreement expanded the eligibility of the program to those who had lands taken by the federal government where they had once lived, occupied, ranched or farmed.  The subsequent public law approving the settlement clearly demonstrates that the CHamoru Land Trust is a land restoration program.  Moving forward, all leases issued will now need to comply with the settlement agreement, Public Law 35-112, and the proposed rules & regulations, pending a signature by the Governor.

Despite decades of setbacks toward the issuance of residential and agricultural leases, the Speaker, who also Chairs the legislature’s Committee on Land, has stayed the course in prioritizing the mission of the CLTC with a concerted effort stating, “We know the applicants who had suffered land takings need this land to build homes for their families and give them a safe place to live.  These are people who have waited for decades, and now their children are looking to us to help them get leases so they can build their homes. We must work hard as a government to restore trust and efficiency to this program that is very much needed.”

In addition to the passage of this measure, Speaker Therese Terlaje has also exercised her oversight to align the mission of the CLTC with its current priorities by requesting that property be identified for lease and development, securing resources for staff, setting a new standard for the lease of submerged lands under its authority, and passing a resolution in support of prioritizing $25 million in American Rescue Plan funding for infrastructure for housing developments.

“The history of this program is remarkable, and the recent passage of the recent law and new rules reflect the determination and grit of the Senators of the 12th Guam Legislature and those who came after them.  Their vision and boldness to go beyond convention is what will keep me optimistic and committed to getting leases out to the beneficiaries of the program so that many will have the opportunity to have a place they can call home,” stated the Speaker.

Bill 229-36 (LS) is in being prepared for transmittal to Adelup for signature.