DELEGATE MOYLAN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE MORE AUTONOMY FOR THE GUAM USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

DELEGATE MOYLAN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE MORE AUTONOMY FOR THE GUAM USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

(Washington, D.C.) With the intent of streamlining the process to secure more United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding for Guam, Delegate James Moylan filed legislation today to designate the Guam and Western Pacific USDA Rural Development Office as the representative of the USDA Rural Development in Guam and the region. This would provide the local office the same rights and responsibilities that are delegated to the USDA Rural Development office for any state.

“Allowing the Guam office to be designated as a direct affiliation of the USDA would simply cut the umbilical cord which we are currently tied into with Hawaii. This would provide us with more resources and decision making, which is critical considering the amount of funding the USDA can provide for rural communities such as ours,” stated Delegate Moylan. “This practical and simple piece of legislation is a small example of other avenues we are seeking to streamline the processing of needed funds for Guam. Our office continues to educate other member offices on the capabilities of our community, particularly when it comes to being the regional leaders,” added Delegate Moylan.

If enacted, the USDA Rural Development office in Guam would also have purview over the CNMI, American Samoa, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia.