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$895,000 in federal grants slated for American Samoa

Congresswoman Aumua Amata
Source: Office of the Congresswoman

Washington, D.C. — Grants for technology support for American Samoa Dept. of Homeland Security and another $560,000 for Coral Reef Conservation were announced last week by Congresswoman Aumua Amata.

$335,000 IN FEDERAL TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming $335,000 in federal support for the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security.

These funds are derived from the Congressional mandate to create a nationwide public safety broadband network for police, firefighters, emergency medical response and other public safety professionals. The funds are distributed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, led by Secretary Wilbur Ross.

 “A special thank you to everyone involved in these efforts, and especially our law enforcement and first responders,” said Aumua Amata. “This investment in technology and communications fits an area of need here in American Samoa.”

Specifically, these funds are from NTIA’s congressionally mandated State and Local Implementation Grant program, which assists jurisdictions with implementing, using, updating and integrating various infrastructure and equipment for wireless broadband and data services.

 “Congratulations to our American Samoa Department of Homeland Security, and Director Samana Semo Ve'ave'a,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you once again to Secretary Ross and the NTIA for these resources.”

$560,000 FOR CORAL REEF CONSERVATION

Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming $560,000 in federal funds for the Territory’s cooperative agreement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for coral reef conservation, along with a related grant that also includes American Samoa.

As part of NOAA’s extensive Coral Reef Conservation Program, well over a half million in federal dollars will be directed to the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife for the Territory’s coral reef preservation efforts, as conducted in cooperation with NOAA, and requiring $16,340 in matching funds.

 “Our beautiful islands need healthy coral reefs, so that all the marine life in our waters continues to thrive,” said Aumua Amata. “These federal resources will help the Territory conduct efforts to manage these resources so future generations can enjoy the same things we love about our islands now.”

A second grant also names American Samoa as one of the several places to benefit. These funds, another $335,000 grant in total, are for Western Pacific Coral Reef Ecosystem Fishery Resource Assessment and Management, and includes American Samoa, Hawaii, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, through the activities of the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council.

The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program is announcing grants for coral reef conservation projects and scientific studies in seven U.S. States and Territories. NOAA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, led by Secretary Wilbur Ross. NOAA is administered by Dr. Tim Gallaudet, a retired Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy, where he served as Oceanographer of the Navy.

 “Congratulations to the Department of Marine and Wildlife, Director Va'amua Henry Sesepasara, and Deputy Director Selaina V. Tuimavave,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to Secretary Ross, Dr. Gallaudet and NOAA for supporting American Samoa.”