Island at this time would be a major change in the cleanup
and rehabilitation plan.
funds,
as yet,
Congress also has not authorized
to provide for
housing and community facilities
on Engebi.
Nonetheless, given the present desire of the people of
Engebi,
that in spite of the risk elements involved they wish
to rezide on Engebi Island
,
this Department has indicated
that it would study the matter further with knowledge of
the people's preference.
This study now is underway.
Irrespective cf the final decision with respect to Engebi,
of which we will advise you when it is made, additional
for the Enewetak Project would appear
funding
to be necessary,
Should it finally be decided that housing and community
facilities should be built at this time on Engebi,
for these
facilities will be reaquired.
Gecision is that Engebi should remain
Conversely,
"off-limits"
funding
if the
for
residential and other purposes for another 35-50 years,
is our belief that the U.S.
Government has a moral
it
and legal
obligation to provide, before termination of the trusteeship,
a suitable financial arrangement that would insure the ability
of the people of Engebi to build appropriate housing and community facilities on Engebi at a period in the future when the
BE REDYCED Te SucH P LeveL
reduced radiation levels of the island will net—pose—arick
THAT RppLICABLE STAKMDBRIS Wevkd wer BE EXCEEDED.
beatexdtothem.
This matter also is under study and we will
keep the Committee informed of developments.