Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Doug Domenech announced last week the release of more than $9.6 million in grant funding to American Samoa through the Office of Insular Affairs’ (OIA) Capital Improvement Project (CIP) Program for fiscal year 2017.
“ We are happy to support Governor Lolo in his efforts to strengthen infrastructure in American Samoa, ” said Assistant Secretary Domenech . “ New construction and deferred maintenance are among Secretary of the Interior Zinke’s priorities in infrastructure modernization. Such priorities are as important to the territories as they are to the mainland. ”
Among the Fiscal Year 2017 Capital Improvement Projects totaling $9,613,000 are:
American Samoa Shipyard Services Authority – 3,000-Ton Slipway : $1,000,000 is awarded for continuation of the Slipway Project of which ASSSA was previously awarded $940,000 of CIP funding. The slipway is operating at a less-than-optimal level, down to 50% from 100%, forcing boat owners and commercial vessels to travel to other destinations for services. Funding will include removal of deteriorated components, procurement of materials and supplies, and testing.
Department of Port Administration – Faleasao Wharf Dredging : $1,000,000 for dredging of the Faleasao Harbor, one of two harbors, on the island of Ta’u. Each harbor operates half of the year, depending on tides and the season. Because of the limited air travel to the Islands of Manua, these harbors are critical to the transportation and passage of people and cargo. Dredging of Faleasao will ensure continued safe passage of the two vessels that operate between the capital of Tutuila and the Manu’a islands.