Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The US Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has given  “American Samoa Inter-Island Ferry Service” a new designation of Marine Highway Route and Designated Project, paving the way for Port Administration to seek funds “to advance commerce activities within our territory,” said Port Administration director, Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele.

“Department of Port Administration is grateful for this new designation and will aggressively pursue grant opportunities,” she said yesterday morning in response to Samoa News inquiries.

MARAD announced Tuesday the designation of 9 Marine Highway Projects and a Marine Highway Route, benefiting American Samoa and 8 states. The federal agency says marine highways are navigable waterways that can be used as alternate options to traditional shipping methods.

US Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said in a news release that designation of marine highways by Congress would help move cargo and people to help grow the economy and shift freight off of congested highways.

USDOT Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby added, “Marine highways are an efficient and cost-effective option for moving freight and passengers in America.”

As a newly designated route and project, the USDOT says the “Port of Pago Pago will enhance both intra-island and inter-island transportation to the outer islands, including the movement of freight, to ultimately promote the development and growth of these relatively isolated areas.”

Taimalelagi said she was notified by phone on Tuesday about the designation and a USDOT official who will travel American Samoa will present the “official certificate” of designation later this month.

“We also are encouraged to submit a grant proposal by September 30th for projects that will serve to enhance the Port of Pago Pago,” she continued, adding that inter-island ferry services to Manu'a, Aunu'u and the Swains Islands “has been a priority for the Lolo and Lemanu Administration.”

Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga recently directed Port Administration and Public Works to upgrade the wharf at Faleasao in Manu’a; construct a building for passengers and cargo; and complete the dredging of the Faleasao Harbor, according to the Port director.

The Governor’s Office has been informed by Taimalelagi about the designation, which has the potential to secure more funding to ensure that the Port of Pago Pago meets required federal standards.

BACKGROUND

According to USDOT, the America’s Marine Highway Program (AMHP) authorizes the designation of Marine Highway Routes and Marine Highway Projects. A Marine Highway Project is a planned service, or expansion of an existing service, on a designated Marine Highway Route.

Designation makes projects and highway routes eligible to apply for federal funding. The US Congress appropriated $7 million for AMHP in Fiscal Year 2019.