The following is a news release from the Office of the Governor of Guam:
The Leon Guerrero – Tenorio Administration’s Low Income Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), administered by the Department of Administration (DOA), has delivered over $151,000 in water assistance to low-income families and individuals facing pandemic-related hardship since opening just over one year ago.
“This first-of-its-kind water assistance program expanded access to more affordable water and helps low-income households affected by the pandemic pay their water and wastewater bills, avoid shut-offs, and support household water reconnections related to nonpayment,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “I urge Guam’s residents in need to apply before the deadline on September 30.”
“We all know why having safe, reliable drinking water and sewer services is important, and the pandemic reiterated the public health imperative,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “With the program set to expire this September, we support an anticipated federal effort to build on this program and safeguard water affordability for low-income families moving forward.”
The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary federal emergency assistance program created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Guam was awarded $206,371 to assist eligible households with water assistance.
Guam’s LIHWAP began in February 2022 providing families financial relief for water and wastewater payments. A total of 305 applications have been processed and approved. Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2023, or until funds are exhausted. The water assistance program provides a one-time payment of up to $1,000 to assist eligible low-income households with their current water and wastewater bill, arrears, late fees, disconnection fees, reconnection fees through a payment plan. Payments will be made directly to the Guam Waterworks Authority.
LIHWAP applications may be downloaded at doa.guam.gov. Hard copy applications may be picked up and submitted at the LIHWAP office on the 2nd floor of the ITC building, Suite 215, in Tamuning, and at the Government of Guam Relief Center on the 3rd floor of the Bank of Hawaii building in Hagåtña.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The federal funds described in this news release were secured by the efforts of former Congressman Michael San Nicolas)
