Construction of the wall around the Territorial Correctional Facility has already begun while the bill requesting Fono approval for money to fund the project was just introduced in both the House and Senate today.
KHJ News photiographed crews from Nana’s Construction working on one side of the TCF and a crew from Paramount Builders on the other side, this afternpoon.
According to Governor Lolo Moliga, the wall is intended to beef up security at the TCF and help prevent the escape of inmates.
The cost of the wall is $900,000 and the money is to come from the ASG surplus of FY2017 and FY2018 and the dividend from the American Samoa Hawaii Cable of 2017.
In the Senate, the bill for the TCF wall and $1.2 million for seawalls was referred to Senator Tuaolo Fruean.
Tuaolo has scheduled a hearing with the Treasurer and Budget Director at 8:30 tomorro morning.
Senate President Gaotaote Palaie says since the special session is called by the governor, the Fono shouldn’t have to abide by the 72 hour prior notice for witnesses to attend hearings.
