2026 draft Programmatic Agreement on Guam military projects on pause 

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

The Joint Region Marianas has agreed to pause the 2026 Programmatic Agreement for military projects on Guam, allowing the local community to further review the document.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has also directed Patrick Lujan, Guam's historic preservation officer, not to sign the draft agreement pending review by the legal counsel.

“An agreement of this importance should not be rushed," Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio said. "This pause gives us the opportunity to take a closer look at the draft, the public comments submitted, and the concerns raised by members of our community."

Officials said the 2008 Programmatic Agreement remains in effect during the period.

The document guides the implementation of environmental and historic preservation requirements for military projects.

According to the governor's office, Rear Admiral Brett Mietus, JRM commander, and Carlotta Leon Guerrer, acting preservation officer, have agreed that there is no immediate urgency to sign the draft agreement while further review is underway.

"We appreciate Admiral Meitus’ willingness to work with our administration and the SHPO to ensure the process is given the time and attention it deserves," Tenorio said.

The additional review period will allow consideration of whether the draft adequately reflects comments received during the 105-day review period. Officials said the pause will also provide time to evaluate proposed amendments submitted by the stakeholder group Prutehi Guåhan, as well as recommendations from the Office of the Governor.

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“The administration recognizes the strong public interest in this matter and the responsibility we have to approach it carefully,” Tenorio said.

“Our goal is to ensure that Guam’s historic and cultural resources are protected, that the public’s input is meaningfully considered, and that any agreement moving forward reflects the best interests of our island," he added.