GVB gives $200K to mayors for village improvement projects

March 21, 2016

(Tumon, Guam) The Mayors Council of Guam (MCOG) received $200 thousand from the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) for various improvement and beautification projects in preparation for the Festival of Pacific Arts, scheduled between May 22- June 4, 2016.

The funding was made possible through Public Law 33-73, authored by Senator Tina Muña Barnes, which appropriated money from the FY2014 Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) surplus for the improvement, refurbishment, restoration, repair and maintenance of village murals and parks for each village. The 19 mayors have each received a check of $10,526.31 for their specific projects, with the village of Dededo receiving the extra remaining 11 cents. Completion of the projects is expected right before the beginning of FestPac.

“We’re happy to partner with the Mayors Council to spruce up our villages and make some needed repairs to facilities and areas highly utilized by the community,” said GVB General Manager Nathan Denight. “This is another example of how tourism works for everyone. Money generated from Guam’s number one industry is used to improve our way of life and support different programs and organizations that showcase our Chamorro culture. We thank Governor Calvo, Lt. Governor Tenorio, Senator Barnes, the Guam Legislature and the rest of our industry partners for their continued support of tourism. We look forward to all the different village projects being completed in time for the PATA Annual Summit and Festival of Pacific Arts.”

“The Guam Visitors Bureau has supported our village festivals and activities in many ways and we are thankful for the extra support in getting beautification projects finished before our island hosts two prestigious events in May,” said Sinajana Mayor & GVB Board Director Robert Hofmann. “The funds are in good hands and will benefit our island residents with improvements and repairs being done to community centers, parks, murals, restrooms and pavilions.”

The GVB funded projects are in all villages, which include Agana Heights, Agat, Asan Maina, Barrigada, Chalan Pago/Ordot, Dededo, Hågatña, Inarajan, Mangilao, Merizo, Mongmong Toto Maite, Piti, Santa Rita, Sinajana, Talofofo, Tamuning, Tumon, Harmon, Umatac, Yigo and Yona.

Media Contact: JOSH TYQUIENGCO - Public Information Officer

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