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$8.17 Million DOT grant slated for Ofu runway rehab

Undated aerial view of Ofu airport
Sources: Media release from Cong. Aumua Amata's office

Washington, D.C.— Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed federal funds for an essential airport runway rehabilitation project in Ofu. Under the recent CARES Act, the federal share of this Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant is increased to 100 percent. That CARES Act replacement of the Territory’s normal share of $817,374 brings the federal AIP aid up to $8,173,747.

“First of all, congratulations and thank you to Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Tuia Poumele for her management of this and other important projects, and the hard work of her team,” said Aumua Amata. “We also appreciate the repeated assistance of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, and FAA Administrator Dickson.”

“These kinds of major projects are impossible without federal involvement, and reliable airports are extremely important in remote locations like ours,” continued Amata.

Nationally, grants are being awarded to 184 airports in 41 states, 3 territories, and 3 freely associated states, Palau, Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.

“This $273 million federal investment in our nation’s airports will strengthen safety, improve travel, generate jobs, and benefit local communities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

These funds are in addition to previous CARES Act airport assistance announced in early April by Secretary Chao, that also included $1.38 million for American Samoa’s airports, to assist in needs due to lost commerce.

“The safety of our nation’s airports is of paramount importance to the FAA,” said FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson. “These grants will allow these necessary projects to continue.