Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Aumua Amata  welcomed a grant this past week of $943,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for improvements to the Port of Pago Pago, American Samoa.

This discretionary grant will fund the purchase of a yard floodlighting system, rehabilitation of the dock fendering system, resurfacing of the container yard, and procurement of forklifts.

“Congratulations to Ports Director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Tuia Poumele, and her team taking care of the daily and long term needs of our ports,” said Aumua Amata. “This is important upkeep, as our ports are vital to our islands’ supply and businesses.”

“Thank you to my long time friend, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, who has often supported the needs of American Samoa,” continued Amata.

The DOT notice to Congress states the project will increase the port’s ability to be more flexible with its operations area, resulting in an increase in the overall productivity of port facilities. The federal funds are through the DOT’s U.S. Marine Highway Grants program.