Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Government has released an official press release to the public updating the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding projects, as of December 31, 2024. It assures that “American Samoa has successfully obligated the full $494 million in ARPA funding from the US Treasury.”

It states in part that “this funding is being utilized across various initiatives aimed at stimulating the economy, enhancing public services, and fostering long-term resilience in the community.

“In addition to previously existing initiatives from the past administration, Governor Pulaali’i N. Pula recently approved the following additional ARPA Projects under the Governor’s Office Emergency Relief Award of $20 million from the New Hospital Medical Facility Reallocation.”

The additional projects are as follows, according to the press release:

Department of Homeland Security: Territorial Communication Infrastructure Project

Department of Search and Rescue: EMS, Fire Protection, Marine Patrol, Emergency Preparedness

Department of Public Safety: Emergency Police Academy

Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources: Emergency Multi-Purpose Vessel

Territorial Administration on Aging: Infrastructure for Emergency Preparedness

Ronald Reagan Shipyard Services Authority: Retrofitting Shoreline Emergency Management

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation: Emergency Preparedness Infrastructure

Also included in the information about ARPA funding remaining a crucial resource, is that “the Argosy Building located in Tafuna is scheduled to close this month as part of a strategic decision to sell the property to the Department of Health (DOH).”

It explains briefly that “this acquisition will allow the DOH to establish its new headquarters, thereby consolidating staff and enhancing operational efficiency in the delivery of healthcare services.”

The building and land belong to Haleck Enterprises and while known as the ‘Argosy Building’ in the community, due to the now defunct online Argosy University once leasing the ground floor of the 2-story building, it is the “Ottoville Professional Building”.

The press release does not mention the acquisition price or whether the purchase includes both the building and land. It is located across from the Department of Homeland Security compound and building(s) corner lot, which were also purchased from Haleck Enterprises, for an unconfirmed amount.

It’s also unknown if the purchase is being funded with ARPA money, as it is not specified.

The press release does note that “the public is encouraged to review the ongoing ARPA projects, which include comprehensive descriptions and funding allocations, available on the ASG ARPA webpage”, and that “the Communications Team will also engage in interviews to collect information intended for public dissemination, thereby promoting transparency in the process.”

However, Samoa News should point out that as of yesterday, Thursday, May 22, 2025, the ASG ARPA webpage does not seem to be working. Pressing any of the tabs to links on the page does not work, except the one taking you to the main ASG website page. Page content includes “Hospital Expansion”, “School Modernization” and “Waste Water System Upgrades”. School Modernization is listed as “Completed”, while the other two are listed as “In Progress”.

Samoa News has reached out to ARPA Oversight Office for additional information yesterday about the Argosy Building acquisition, as well as the status of the ASDOE ARPA projects that the Feds declined when ASDOE sought an extension to spend ARPA funds past their March 31, 2025 deadline.

Samoa News awaits a response from the office’s executive director, Robert Gebauer, and was advised that the ASDOE ARPA projects are not currently under the purview of the Oversight Office, which oversees the implementation and allocation of the ARPA funds.

Currently, that’s $42 million of disapproved funding for the ASDOE ARPA projects alone, which ASG will have to return to the federal government if the Feds continue to deny the extension, or the projects are disapproved as not meeting the ARPA’s initiative.

The question of course, is how much of these funds have already been spent; as the Feds have to be reimbursed the full amount of each ‘declined’ project.

BACKGROUND — About ARPA

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is a federal initiative designed to support economic recovery across the United States following the COVID-19 pandemic. It allocates substantial funding to American Samoa, focusing on infrastructure improvement, strengthening public health systems, aiding local businesses, and creating job opportunities. The goal is to address the pandemic's economic impact while promoting sustainable growth and resilience in affected areas.

To ensure the effective use of these funds, the ARPA Oversight Office oversees the implementation and allocation of resources in American Samoa. Its primary objectives include ensuring compliance with legal requirements regarding fund usage, promoting transparency and accountability in funded projects, adhering to public health measures, and prioritizing the well-being of the local population.