DPW seeks approval for right‑of‑way manual updates to align with federal rules; committee hears process and intent

The committee held a second public hearing May 29 on proposed updates to the Guam Department of Public Works Right‑of‑Way Manual, intended to align the manual with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Act and Federal Highway Administration requirements.

Kelly Esuadra, a program coordinator with DPW, told the committee the changes affect four sections: appraisal and appraisal review (raising the appraisal waiver threshold from $10,000–$25,000 to $15,000–$30,000 subject to approval levels), negotiation and notice delivery (allowing email with owner consent), advanced acquisitions (clarifying designated owner representatives), and the relocation assistance program (increasing compensation to reflect inflation and clarifying related definitions).

Esuadra said the manual updates aim to improve operational efficiency and equitable treatment of property owners involved in right‑of‑way acquisition and relocation and that the changes have gone through the public hearing, governor and attorney general review. She provided a website where the project list and condemnation packet are available.

Committee members asked whether the changes would reduce project delays and adequately protect private property rights while protecting government interests. DPW said the intent is to improve efficiency and that the updates are consistent with prior legislative intent and federal requirements.

The committee took no formal vote at the hearing and the DPW manual updates remain subject to the agency’s adoption process and any follow‑up legislative review.