The Federal Emergency Management Agency says there’s been no change in its posisiton regarding construction of the new Fono Building.
Work on the project was halted about five months ago and there’s been no activity at the construction site up to now.
FEMA had wrriten to Governor Lolo Moliga in August of last year that construction of the foundation for the Fono Building, hich uses a perimeter foundation instead of piles are not permitted in a flood zone.
FEMA Regional Administrator Robert Fenton advised that the design was a violation of both American Samoa’s own regulations for construction in a flood zone but federal regulations as well. He warned that if not addressed it could result in American Samoa being suspended from coverage under the Flood Disaster Protection Act which provides funding for damages and losses from disasters.
The federal agency said that if the construction goes ahead using the current design American Samoa stands to lose funding for future disasters, funding for Capital Improvement Projects and other federal assistance programs.
There have been two delegations from ASG sent to meet with FEMA concerning the Fono Building project.
Lt Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga held meetings with FEMA in October and another group from ASG which included the Director of Public Works and the two Fono counsels also visited FEMA’s office in Oakland, California in December.
Governor Lolo reported at a cabinet meeting that FEMA is willing to work with the contractor and local engineers on a design to satisfy the feds.
KHJ News asked FEMA’s Public Affairs Officer Richard Brandi for an update on the Fono Building project and he said, “Our position has not changed and Im not aware of any changes to date.”
