There’s good news regarding American Samoa’s request for a waiver or reduction of local match for federal assistance related to Tropical Storm Gita.
Congresswoman Aumua Amata announces that as a result of joint efforts between herself, Governor Lolo, and their respective teams in American Samoa and Washington, D.C. there was a review of American Samoa’s needs related to the impact from Cyclone Gita.
And last night the President amended the FEMA disaster declaration for American Samoa by increasing the Federal cost-share by 20% to a 90-10 split from a 75-25 split potentially reducing the ASG cost share by hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
On March 1, Aumua Amata wrote to President Trump requesting an increase of the Federal Match in support of Governor Lolo’s request.
In her letter, the congresswoman pointed out that due to American Samoa’s balanced budget requirement with current debt holders,”I emphasize the importance of waiving the required local match as it is unlikely that American Samoa will be able to meet the requisite match and a cost-sharing requirement will cause long delays in providing the necessary relief for 60,000 of its citizens.”
She added that there’s precedent for reductions to 0%-10%.
Over the past several months attorneys for Aumua Amata and Governor Lolo in DC have worked with administration officials to further educate White House and administration personnel as to the unique economic circumstances and needs of American Samoa during the recovery process from Cyclone Gita and reminding them of the high rate of military service and unwavering loyalty of American Samoans.
Under the amendment the American Samoa Government only has to provide a 10% match to receive federal funds, instead of 25%.
The congresswoman thanks President Trump for hearing the governor and American Samoan Congressional office’s plea for additional assistance and amending the disaster declaration after a timely and thoughtful review.
Aumua said, “I look forward to our continued work with President Trump and Governor Lolo’s teams both in Washington, D.C. and in American Samoa on the continued recovery efforts from Cyclone Gita and on so many other important issues facing our community now and in the future.”
She also thanked Governor Lolo and his team for their tireless work post Cyclone Gita and the Executive office staff in the White House and at FEMA in particular for their continued responsiveness on this and other vital issues facing the territory.
