DELEGATE MOYLAN FILES LEGISLATION TO AMEND HOW RETURNED LANDS ARE ADDRESSED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JANUARY 31, 2023

DELEGATE MOYLAN FILES LEGISLATION TO AMEND HOW RETURNED LANDS ARE ADDRESSED

(Washington D.C.). Today, Delegate James Moylan filed legislation to amend a vague technicality in the Organic Act of Guam which would address “how” excess lands which are returned to the Government of Guam are handled. The “Guam Excess Land Return Act” would allow any excess lands returned by the Federal Government to be returned to the original landowners or their heirs if such prior ownership can be verified in the official records maintained by the Government of Guam.

The measure amends Public Law 106-504, which was enacted in 2000. The current language notes that excess lands which are returned shall be utilized for a “public purpose”. If enacted, the “Guam Excess Land Return Act” would mandate the Government to Guam to establish a process for such transfers of any excess land to the original landowners or their heirs.

“This legislation merely addresses the tail end of the process, which is to ensure that original landowners or their heirs would have the opportunity to obtain any excess lands which are returned by the federal government. It would merely bring some righteousness in cases where there is documentation in place clearly evidencing the names of the original landowners during the date when the land was transferred” stated Delegate Moylan. “However, our work is far from over, as we need to continue to advocate for the return of acres and acres of excess land under the jurisdiction of the federal government. My office will continue to pursue these efforts to ensure that generations of families are able to build their homes and raise their families”, added Delegate Moylan.

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