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Unique funding opportunity available for specialty crops — farmers must apply

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata
ASG also receives transit grant, hopefully to bolster Am Samoa’s unique system
Source: Uifa’atali Amata’a Washington D.C. office press release

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the availability of $72.9 million nationwide in grants through the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crops Block Grant Program (SCBGP) and an award of $1,502,172 in funding for transit projects and priorities.

The specialty crops block grant funds enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, while the transit grant, administered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the US Department of Transportation (DOT), provides direct funding to state and territorial governments, which then decide how much money to provide to transit agencies and providers.

USDA GRANT

“I encourage all specialty crop growers in American Samoa to apply for these grants,” said Aumua Amata. The grant not only focuses on specialty crops but also supports growers through marketing, education, and research.

“Congress established this program to help protect and develop each of our states and territories’ specialty crop industries. In American Samoa, farming is a difficult way of life, but one on which our culture depends. I hope our farmers take advantage of this opportunity and submit their applications before the deadline.”

The USDA will be accepting applications until May 1, 2023. For more information or to apply, please visit this website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp.

TRANSIT FUNDING

“I welcome the announcement of this substantial grant for American Samoa’s transit priorities, which will go a long way in ensuring that the people of American Samoa have quality transportation for years to come,” said Aumua Amata.

“With our aiga buses and taxis, American Samoa’s transit system is unique. I hope this funding allows the government to continue supporting the hardworking proprietors and operators.

She congratulated Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga and Lt. Governor Talauega E.V. Ale, as well as the hardworking people in ASG whose efforts led to this grant, she said. “I also thank DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez for this support for American Samoa.”