The island's abandoned vehicle program takes a step forward thanks to a partnership between the government and with one of Guam's oldest private companies. The fight against Guam's abandoned vehicle problem, which Department of Public Works director Vince Arriola calls an "epidemic" continues. Atkins Kroll Guam, one of the island's oldest private companies signed a memorandum of understanding together with the Government of Guam earlier today.

AK Guam vice president and general manager Clark Boswell says that for every electric vehicle sold moving forward, AK will contribute $400 to the Guam Economic Development Agency based on abandoned vehicle disposals by the DPW.

KUAM previously reported that it would cost roughly $400 to $600 per vehicle removal. "This initiative supports cleaner roadways improved public safety, island beautification and environmentally responsible recycling," said Boswell.

As KUAM previously reported, DPW was looking to bring in private recyclers to take over vehicle removal, and Arriola says that the procurement process has officially started. He shared, "We are in the middle of a procurement right now seeking bids. We will be seeking bids to handle the issue of abandoned vehicles both on public easement, public roadways and throughout the villages. This is going to go a long way. The more outreach we have the more assistance we get from the community. I think it'll tell the people of guam let's let this program flourish, lets let this program work, let's let public work do our job to get the abandoned vehicles collected, recycled, and then shipped off-island."

As a sign of good faith to get the program up and running, AK Guam donated $1,914, which signifies the year the company was established on Guam.