“[The Marshall Plan] is based in principle upon the famous Marshall Plan for Europe which was the United States development strategy for our war torn Western Allies.  The United States did not have a similar plan for Guam following its recapture during WW2… Although it is nearly 34 years since the liberation of Guam in 1944, I feel very strongly that the United States of America still owes Guam and her people a development program which the postwar leaders did not see fit to provide.”

– Ricky Bordallo, 1978 (Guam A New Era of Growth, 27)

 

Bordallo Relied Heavily on Federal Funding to Rebuild Guam


“To help us chart our development plans of the future and for the long run, I have prepared and presented to the White House, to the Department of Interior and other Executive departments and agencies, and to key members of the United States Congress a compilation of building projects which I consider necessary to further develop Guam’s economy for now and to sustain it for the foreseeable future.”

– Ricky Bordallo, 1978 (Guam A New Era of Growth, 27).


“As of this date, 14 Marshall Plan projects have been accepted and funded or authorized for funding by various agencies for a total of $46 million dollars.  The projects are:

  • Sinifa Water System Phase I
  • Central Library
  • Narmo River Flood Control
  • San Miguel School Road
  • Hospital Road
  • Ugum River Study
  • Ipao Beach Park Improvement
  • Inarajan Bridges
  • Waterline & Road Construction Inarajan to Merizo
  • Asan Community Development
  • Low Rent Housing
  • Senior Citizen Housing
  • Agat Interceptor
  • Hospital

– Ricky Bordallo, 1978 (Guam A New Era of Growth, 27)


Bordallo was constantly thinking of the future, especially concerning Guam’s development and infrastructure.  With no surprise, Ricky’s administration started and developed various projects and agencies. During Ricky’s helm he secured “49.4 million in water & sewage projects." He also secured “63 million in loans for power and telephone” utilities (Guam A New Era of Growth, Bordallo 1978, 21).   Guam is continually being developed, especially with our imminent military expansion.  


“I believe, too, in the principle of self-help.  Certainly when and where we can, we should help ourselves.  But the truth of the matter is that Guam cannot do it alone.  Nor for that matter does any other state or territory in the Union.  At this stage of development, our Territory simply does not have the resources at the level needed to provide basic infrastructure and support what our developing community must have to progress in a timely manner.  Federal support therefore is not only a necessity.  It is imperative!"

– Ricky Bordallo, 1978 (Guam A New Era of Growth, 26).

 

The Marshall Plan was  Bordallo's attempt to modernize Guam.  Bordallo claimed that problems stemming from World War II continued to affect the development of the island.  In an effort to rebuild Guam, Bordallo used federal funds to establish and organize water, power, telephone, and sewage projects to help develop and sustain Guam's economy.