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Amata welcomes funding opportunities for American Samoa

Congresswoman Aumua Amata with ASPA acting Execitive director Wallon Young
Source: Congresswoman Aumua Amata Washington office

Washington, D.C. — Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed a Pacific Basin health grant for the American Samoa Department of Health.

The discretionary grant of $167,000 is through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA).

“Thank you once again to Dr. Anaise Uso and Director Motusa Nua, and their ongoing efforts with these programs,” said Aumua Amata. “Health funding is essential to our people. Thank you to HHS Secretary Alex Azar, and HRSA Administrator Thomas Engels.”

$713,125 IN FEDERAL FUNDS FROM DOI

Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed a notification that the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) is providing federal funds of $713,125 to the American Samoa Government (ASG) through the Office of Insular Affairs’ (OIA) Maintenance Assistance Program to assist in several improvement projects.

“Congratulations to Governor Lolo, and thank you to those who worked on these several proposals for a job well done,” said Aumua Amata. “Support from the federal government is important to the Territory’s ability to provide services and afford upgrades.”

The DOI/OIA is approving the following amounts and local projects:
• $383,500, American Samoa Power Authority, for the Auto Shop Facility Expansion, Equipment, and Training Project.
• $329,625, American Samoa Department of Public Works for the DPW School Maintenance Projects — to include DPW Trades Training Apprenticeship Program, Materials and Supplies for School Ceiling Fan Replacements, and Tools and Equipment Project.

FEDERAL EPA FUNDS FOR ASPA

Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomed notification of $121,883 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 9, for the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA).

This EPA project is under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act of 2010, followed by current appropriations passed by this Congress for fiscal year 2020.

 “Congratulations to Chairman Fonoti Perelini and Acting Executive Director Wallon Young,” said Aumua Amata. “Thank you to Elena Vaouli and Brian Thompson for their work on this project, along with everyone at ASPA.”

These EPA funds are through the State Clean Diesel Grant Program. ASPA provides services as a public utility under a five-member Board of Directors and Acting Executive Director Wallon Young.

EPA is providing assistance to ASPA efforts to reduce diesel emissions and exposure throughout the Territory. ASPA will replace diesel trucks with electric vehicles and purchase EV charging station infrastructure, and EV chargers. These actions are to reduce emissions of diesel particulate matter and other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.