Koror governor urges discipline over $29.1M port proceeds

By: L. N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Sept. 9, 2026) — “We had $25 million before and it was gone in four years. This money for the port is not a lot,” Koror Gov. Eyos Rudimch said, stressing that the state must take a more disciplined approach to managing the approximately $29. 1 million it expects to receive under an agreement transferring Malakal port to the Palau national government. Rudimch said he wants Koror State to use the proceeds carefully, working with the Koror State Legislature to address immediate needs while investing most of the money to provide long-term benefits for the state and its people. “We had $25 million before and it was wiped out in four years because of COVID,” Rudimch said. “I am worried about this and want to make sure the funds are managed well for the future of Koror.

” Rudimch signed the agreement transferring ownership of Malakal port and adjacent areas totaling about 47,000 square meters to the national government. The transfer is intended to comply with Sections 321 and 322(b) of the Compact of Free Association between Palau and the United States, which require Palau to make designated defense sites, including the Malakal Port Defense Site in Koror, available for joint, exclusive and nonexclusive use. Under the arrangement, the United States is expected to repair and improve the port, which will be jointly used by the U. S. military and the Palau government. Of the approximately 47,000-square-meter area covered by the agreement, 42,961 square meters will be designated for joint use, 975 square meters for exclusive U. S. use and 3,209 square meters for nonexclusive use. In exchange for the transfer, Koror State is expected to receive approximately $29. 1 million, Rudimch confirmed. The agreement also provides for Koror State to receive Ice Box…