Ofu Airport in Manu’a is receiving a grant of $8.1 million for airport safety and infrastructure from the Federal Aviation Administration. The grant will be used to rehabilitate the airport.
American Samoa was among 41 states and territories which were awarded more than $273 million in grants.
Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao said, “This $273 million federal investment in our nation’s airports will strengthen safety, improve travel, generate jobs, and benefit local communities.”
The total includes just over $242 million from the Airport Improvement (AIP) and $31 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grants to equal a 100 percent federal share.
“The safety of our nation’s airports is of paramount importance to the FAA,“ said FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson. “These grants will allow these necessary projects to continue.”
The funding will be used for a variety of critical infrastructure and safety projects. These include include purchasing aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment, constructing runways and taxiways, repairing runways and taxiways, installing aircraft lighting and signage, conducting airport master plan studies and installing airport perimeter fencing.
