Acting Governor Michael W. Cruz, M.D. issued the following statement following an accident involving a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft over Guam’s waters yesterday:

“Governor Camacho and I extend our prayers to the families and friends of the crewmen on board the B-52 and we will continue to hope for the safety and welfare of the other members that have not been found,” Acting Governor Cruz said.  “The Guam Fire Department and the Guam Police Department will continue to provide any assistance with the ongoing search. In the meantime, I encourage the people of Guam to pray for all those involved and for the loved ones of each crewmember.”

(Washington DC)  Governor Felix P. Camacho officially submitted a $237.8 million budget request for the Guam Buildup to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 

The budget proposal, presented directly to OMB Director Jim Nussle requests $237.8 million from various federal executive branch departments and agencies for inclusion in the FY 2010 Presidential Budget request to the United States Congress.

“It is unrealistic for any U.S. community to plan for, fund and manage unfunded federal mandates imposed by the bi-lateral agreement within the aggressive timeline without assistance from the U.S. Government,” said Governor Camacho.  “Our budget request will do much to improve our seaport, roads, utilities, schools, health care systems and public safety programs to sustain an acceptable quality of life for both the civilian and military communities for years to come.”

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) Governor Felix P. Camacho joined discussions with governors from throughout the nation as they explored alternative energy sources and new strategies to reduce carbon emissions nationwide during the final day of the 2008 National Governors Association Annual Meeting. 

Governor Camacho and other governors focused on the results of a recent National Petroleum Council Study that called on the nation’s policy leaders to reduce dependency on foreign oil.

“The price of fuel, electricity and the basic needs of our people are hitting all Americans hard, especially the people of Guam who rely almost entirely on imported goods,” said Governor Camacho.  “We must look at innovative ways to promote secure and affordable energy solutions for our island and our nation.”