WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) has transmitted $16,718,000 in grant funding to the American Samoa government to support the operations of the hospital, the community college, public schools, and the judicial system in the territory.  

 “The Office of Insular Affairs team works hard every year to ensure that the American Samoa Operations funds made available by Congress are transmitted as quickly as they are appropriated,” said OIA Director and Acting Assistant Secretary Nikolao Pula. “These funds support the people of American Samoa by providing critical government operations.”  

Congresswoman Uifaatali Amata welcomed the announcement. Congress appropriates these annual funds, and at Amata’s request each of the past three years, Congress has both added to the ASG Operations budget and restored millions in proposed cuts yearly. Amata-requested direct increases over four years include $250,000, $718,000, $400,000, and $500,000.

 “I greatly appreciate all that American Samoa Government does with these funds to promote health, education and justice for our people,” said Amata. “Congratulations to Governor Lemanu as he leads these important efforts forward. The funding is just the first step in the good work of the Territory’s many quality employees. Thank you to OIA and particularly Acting Assistant Secretary Nikolao Pula for the work that goes into this entire process to successfully conduct this yearly commitment by the federal government.”

Made available through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (Public Law 116-260), the funds will be divided as follows:

Funding provided in this announcement is in addition to amounts previously provided under continuing resolutions. Full fiscal year 2021 funding for American Samoa Operations totals $24,620,000.