Floodlights and generators, along with a security system are some of the projects American Samoa has identified to be funded with proceeds from the $1 million that the territory received from the federal government following the 2009 tsunami.

The latest update on projects to be funded with the $1 million Disaster Relief Fund is summarized in the “American Samoa Community Activities and Issues” report submitted to the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, which convenes today — for three-days — its 169th Meeting at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu.

Last year, a project coordinator was hired by Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) to be the point person to oversee the implementation of the projects to be funded under the Disaster Relief Fund. And the coordinator will be responsible for working with federal and local agencies to obtain permits and complete federal consistency required for the projects since they are federally funded.

FLOATING DOCK

DMWR director Va’amua Henry Sesepasara confirmed to Samoa News last Thursday that there is money allocated from the Disaster Fund for the Fagatogo floating dock pile replacement..

BOAT RAMP

DMWR had originally planned to build a boat ramp for small vessels, located between the Malaloa Marina and the Pago Pago village boat ramp. DMWR will now be utilizing the disaster fund to renovate the Pago Pago boat ramp and expand it by building a second ramp next to it.

FLAKE ICE

Samoa News reported last Wednesday that DMWR will be using a portion of the $1 million to provide a flake icemaker. During a Samoa News interview last Thursday, Va’amua said the flake icemaker would be installed near DMWR’s guard shack by the entrance.

He said the flake icemaker is already purchased and they will be advertising for a company to construct a building to house the icemaker, as well as install the icemaker.

SECURITY SYSTEM

The report to the Council states that one of the chief complaints of local fishermen to ASG has been a lack of security for their boats on both the floating docks (next to the DMWR building) and the Malaloa Marina.

Additionally, vandalism and theft are difficult to combat due to the limited amount of personnel available for a 24-hour security detail. For this reason, DMWR has prioritized the installation of a security system to prevent theft and vandalism to boats docked in those two locations.

Va’amua said DMWR is in the process of bidding out this project, which he reiterated is very important for the security of not only the boats, but also the area.

FLOODLIGHTS & GENERATOR

Another project that will assist with security while also creating a safer work environment for fishing boat operators and crews will be the installation of floodlights and an accompanying generator. DMWR has already purchased the floodlights and a generator for the Malaloa Marina.

The lights and generator will be used as a theft and vandalism deterrent, as well as providing necessary lighting for alia, sport fishermen and longline crews to operate safely during hours without daylight.

Va’amua told Samoa News that the floodlights are already on island and some of them have been installed.

BOAT TRAILER

With the renovation and expansion of the boat ramp in Pago Pago, this boat trailer will also improve boating access in the Harbor area. The ramp will be housed at the Malaloa Marina and maintained by DMWR’S Boating Access Division.

Va’amua said DMWR is negotiating with a company for the purchase of the boat trailer.  He will also provide a verbal update of all projects to be funded with the $1 million during the Council meeting in Honolulu.