By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has delayed the planned scoping meetings for public discussion of the enhanced integrated air and missile defense system on Guam as the island struggles to recover from the ruins left by typhoon Mawar.
Three meetings were originally scheduled for June 14, 15, and 16.
Robert Underwood, chair of the Pacific Center for Island Security, noted that amid the island's recovery efforts, postponing the scoping meetings is "in the best interests of the community."
"The purpose of scoping meetings is to inform the public about the proposed action and accept comments on the scope of analysis. Many in Guam are still recovering from the storm," Underwood said in a June 6 letter to Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero.
"At the time of writing, there are still families without power or water. As the island in its entirety is still reeling from the effects of typhoon Mawar, our community simply needs more time to consider the impacts of such a large military project for the island," said the former congressman.
The MDA is extending the public comment period for the notice of intent
entitled "Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for
an Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense System on Guam," to Aug.
11. Commenting period was originally scheduled to end on June 27.
In addition, the MDA will reschedule the in-person open house scoping
meetings on Guam to late summer of 2023.
"Notification for the meeting locations, dates, and times will be published and announced in local news media to encourage public participation," JRM said
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