Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On behalf of the House Commerce Committee members, committee chair Rep. Samuel I. Meleisea has commended the Office of Disaster Assistance and Petroleum Management (ODAPM) for their recent achievement in grant management operations with the U.S Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Last month, FEMA Region 9 Regional Administration, Robert J. Fenton Jr. informed Gov. Lemanu Peleti Mauga that FEMA has removed restrictive drawdown status from ODAPM. (See Samoa News edition May 25 for details.)

Last week Rep. Meleisea relayed in writing “sincere congratulations” from the House Commerce Committee, to ODAPM director Lisa Tuato’o, deputy director Salu Tuigamala and the entire staff for latest achievement.

“The recent update from FEMA Region IX, regarding the removal of ODAPM from restricted drawdown status is an outstanding feat by your hardworking team,” Meleisea wrote to Tuato’o. “We recognize the sacrifices, patience, and determination exhibited by you and your team that ultimately led to this welcome news for the Territory.”

“My colleagues and I continue to observe the dedicated professionalism of ODAPM. We are enlightened that FEMA also agrees and has determined that federal funds are now therefore in capable, trusting hands. Congratulations for this collective success,” he concluded.

In response to Rep. Meleisea, Tuato’o said that: “I am only as good as the people that surround me and as a team, we tread together to ensure accountability, transparency and maintain the integrity of operations at ODAPM and especially the Lemanu and Talauega administration.”

“Truly humbled and honored with your kind words and support.  We only perform our duties to the best of our abilities with God in the center and the rest follows.  It is heart warming to know our work is appreciated,” she concluded