Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The US Economic Development Administration (EDA) has approved a $100,000 grant request from ASG Commerce Department (DOC) to develop and grow American Samoa’s economy through a broadband initiative, according to DOC director Keniseli Lafaele.

In a news release, Congresswoman Aumua Amata announced Monday the EDA funds that will improve the Territory’s ability to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the telecommunications industry, which can lead to businesses and the creation and preservation of jobs.

It will establish an economic development planning framework, process, and strategy to determine the overall market, investment, and expected outcome.

Responding to Samoa News inquiries, Lafaele said DOC was informed Monday by EDA that the application had been approved. He said DOC staff is working on completing required paperwork before work starts.

He explained that the funding “isn’t a study but a strategy or action plan to develop and grow American Samoa’s knowledge-based industry/economy given our investment in broadband” through Hawaiki submarine cable.

“Our economy has been sustained by the fishing industry and government since the mid late 1950s,” he points out, adding that, “Developing a third or fourth industry would help AS sustain its economy in the long run and provide jobs for people.”

According to the DOC director, the internet gives people access to knowledge which in turn provides new opportunities in education, health, business, government processes, food security, homeland security.

“This grant funded strategic plan will define American Samoa's knowledge-based economy and coordinate collaborative efforts to achieve its goals and objectives,” he said.

The Congresswoman welcomes the federal funding, saying that “broadband capabilities can be a valuable tool for small businesses and job creation.”

“Our economic future in American Samoa will benefit from growth in areas of communications and technology access,” she said and expressed appreciation to Territorial Planner Michael McDonald and congratulates DOC and Lafaele.

She also thanked US Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross, who has jurisdiction over the EDA as well as the EDA leadership “for recognizing this need in American Samoa.”