Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata welcomed official notice of a $400,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) to replace two aging diesel trucks with modern utility diesel trucks that fulfill EPA requirements, lower emissions, and improve fuel efficiency. Also received was official notice of a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for American Samoa Department of Health at LBJ Tropical Medical Center providing HIV Care through $16,800 in national training and technical assistance.

DPA GRANT

“Congratulations to Governor Pulaali’i, Lt. Governor Pulu, and the dedicated team at ASPA. Thank you for these efforts to secure the grant and fulfill EPA requirements with new equipment to provide maintenance for our people. Thank you to EPA, and my friend and former colleague Administrator Lee Zeldin, for supporting services in American Samoa, including a major announcement just few days ago of over $30 million for water infrastructure projects,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata.

Congressional authorization for these funds is from the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) through the DERA National Grants assistance program which enables projects in the National Clean Diesel Program – Class 7 Truck Replacements, including documentation of scrapping the old trucks.

HHS HEALTH SERVICES GRANT

“More important than the grant amount is the assurance that an essential health service is available as needed at our LBJ Tropical Medical Center,” said Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata. “Thank you to Faafouina Sagaga for the work securing this grant so these services are ready, and thank you to all our doctors and nurses for the medical services our people rely on throughout the year. Congratulations to Governor Pulaali’i, Lt. Governor Pulu, Health Director Dr. Saipale Fuimaono and our Department of Health.”

HHS is led by Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., and these health funds are through the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), led by Administrator Thomas Engels.