The design and feasibility study phase for the aerial tramway project, now known as the Pago Pago Sky Tram, is finally underway.
“It has been a long time coming, and the American Samoa Department of Commerce (ASDOC) will be working closely with the SE Group out of Colorado to revive one of American Samoa’s iconic tourism attractions,” stated Director Petti Matila.
ASDOC received a federal grant award in early 2022 from the Economic Development Administration to conduct a design and feasibility phase for the Pago Pago Sky Tram.
The tramway is a critical part of our local tourism industry development dating back to the creation of the National Park of American Samoa in 1993 to improve access into the National Park, amongst other things.
After its initial construction in 1965 to support the Education TV program, the tramway transitioned into a tourism attraction. It was damaged by the 1979 plane crash in Utulei and was eventually repaired but was then ultimately damaged beyond repair in 1992 by Hurricane Val.
A press release from DOC says, the tramway project also plays a key role in the territory’s telecommunications and emergency response readiness. “Access to the transmitters atop Mt. Alava for maintenance has been restricted to traversing the nearly impassable dirt road.”
SE Group has extensive experience in the planning and assessment of Aerial Ropeway Systems.
Kent Sharp, President of SE Group said, “In addition to our comprehensive experience with the planning and development of lift systems at mountain resorts and ski areas, each of our tea m members, collectively and individually, have conducted numerous feasibility assessments for transportation and tourism applications.”
