FEMA eager to work with ASG re Fono building

new-fono-building

The Federal Emergency Management Agency says its eager to work with American Samoa officials to find a solution to the current impasse on construction of the new Fono building.

KHJ News sent questions to Regional Administrator Robert Fenton seeking reaction to Governor Lolo’s statement at a cabinet meeting last week that DOI is the only agency of the federal government that Amercan Samoa takes directions from.

Brandi Richard Public Affairs Officer of the Region 9 Office answered our questions.

He said FEMA does not have a reaction to the Governor’s statement, but “we are open to continued dialogue regarding the Fono building.”

Asked if there have been discussions between the Department of Interior and FEMA regarding the governor’s position, the public affairs officer said it was just this morning (Thursday) that Administrator Fenton spoke with the Department of Interior on the issue.

Fenton has also replied to Governor Lolo’s response to his letter outlining FEMA’s concerns about the Fono  building not meeting local and federal regulations for a structure in a flood zone area.

Richard stated that FEMA promotes flood safe development and has expressed concern to the Government of American Samoa that the proposed new Fono Building appears to be using a design that conflicts with American Samoa’s flood damage prevention requirements.

He said, “Specifically, we are concerned about the risk of investing in building in a coastal high hazard area without following proven protection standards.

“We also advised the Government of American Samoa that failing to follow the adopted flood protection standards may jeopardize federal disaster assistance and other federal funding in American Samoa.”

The FEMA PR man said, ”We are eager to work with American Samoa officials to find a solution that will ensure safety without jeopardizing future resources that are important to the people of American Samoa.”

KHJ News also sought comment from Director of the Office of Insular Affairs Nikolao Pula.

His response was, “I have no comment at this time because this is a pending and sensitive issue being currently reviewed.”