American Samoa has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce based on the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.
The funding which is made available under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is to provide an interoperable broadband network to further assist in the safety of police, firefighters, emergency medical service professionals and other public safety officials in their duties.
Specifically, these funds are appropriated under local jurisdiction to identify, plan, and implement the most efficient and effective means to integrate the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and other architecture to satisfy the wireless broadband and data services needs of the territory.
In announcing the grant, Congresswoman Aumua Amata said, “I am excited for the continual advancement of our Territory’s broadband network.
“This federal funding will be an added benefit to our efforts to improve our territory’s public safety.”
She thanked Homeland Security Deputy Director Jacinta Brown and the Department of Homeland Security for their role in procuring these federal funds.
The congresswoman also thanked Secretary Wilbur Ross and the U.S. Department of Commerce for providing the grant for American Samoa.
