The late introduction of an appropriation measure that Governor Lolo Moliga wants included in the Fiscal year 2017 budget is unprecedented.
As we reported yesterday Lolo is asking the Fono to include an appropriation of $2 million, which is the local match for a grant of $7.7 million from the US Department of Transpiration into ASG’s spending blue print for the new fiscal year which starts October 1st.
The money is for the relocation of the jet fuel tanks , now situated adjacent to the main airport parking lot, to the east end of the airport closest to the Pala Lagoon .
The governor can take credit for scoring this grant from USDOT.
He made the pitch for additional funding to relocate the tanks when Transportation Secretary Mr Anthony Foxx made a refueling stop over in the territory last month.
Judging from Governor Lolo’s letter to the Fono leaders, he anticipates some questions on the late submission.
The appropriations measure was introduced yesterday as the joint hearings for the Fy2017 budget were wrapping up.
Lolo calls the grant an “unexpected blessing,” and refers to his request to include it in the FY2017 budget a “ precarious request which could be misconstrued as being unconventional and non-compliant with established budget protocols.”
The administration could always submit this funding as a supplemental appropriation.
But the governor seems bent on having the Fono include this funding in the Fy2017 budget law.
Lolo’s letter indicates that $2 million is needed as local match for the tank farm relocation grant, plus other airport improvement projects.
And this local match was not included in the Fy2017.
So where is this $2 million coming from?
According to the governor’s missive to the Fono, it will come from additional revenues from the use of the customs scanners.
This additional revenue was not envisioned when the budget was submitted.
An administration bill proposing scanner fees to be paid by importers is still languishing in committee in both chambers.
The proposed fees are:
• $250 for containers that are less than 40 feet,
• $350 for a 40 ft container or larger
• $100 for inspection of loose cargo pellets
• $75 for inspection per vehicle or heavy equipment
• $10 per parcel imported for commercial purposes and
• other scanning fees as determined by customs and enacted by administrative rule making.
