Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Doug Domenech’s announcement granting $10.6 million in federal funds to American Samoa for infrastructure developmental needs.
During his visit to American Samoa with Aumua Amata to celebrate 118 years since the territory became a part of the United States, Assistant Secretary Doug Domenech was able to observe first-hand American Samoa’s health, social, and economic conditions.
“I am pleased that Assistant Secretary Domenech was able to join us in the celebration of our Flag Day,” said Aumua Amata.
“Most importantly, I appreciate his commitment to American Samoa’s needs as demonstrated by his presence here with us and the approval of these funds.”
The FY 2018 infrastructure grant is dedicated to specific projects at the wharf, schools, and hospital of American Samoa including the assistance for shipyard training, education and conservation awareness, and licensing for medical professionals.
The OIA has provided in detail, project instructions and requirements to each of the associated departments funded.
The following list is a summary of the projects and appropriations as indicated by the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) through their Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Program:
- $1.6 million goes to the Department of Port Administration:
* Malaloa Marina Wharf Dock Extension
* Federal Aviation Administration Matching Requirement
- $3.9 million goes to Department of Education for a new building for
* Tafuna High School
*Classroom/Cafeteria Building for Faga’itua High School
* 4 New School Busses
*2 New Elementary School Gymnasiums (2)
- $1,618,797 goes to the LBJ Hospital for
* Labor, Delivery, and Operating Room Renovation and
* Nursing Patient Care Services and Healthcare Support Staff Workforce Development and Capacity Training
- $800,000 to the American Samoa Power Authority for Water Improvements
- $900,000 to the Department of Youth and Women’s Affairs for – Tafuna Youth Center
- $1.1 million for the American Samoa Legislative Branch for the New Fono (Legislative Building)
- $100,0000 for Boys and Girls Club of American Samoa.
The congresswoman gave special thanks to the Department of Interior and Assistant Secretary Domenech, along with Governor Moliga for his work in obtaining these funds for American Samoa.
She said, “These funds will make a significant impact in the improvement of our Territory’s infrastructure.”
