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U.S. House passes Water Resources Bill that includes studies for Aunu‘u Harbor and Tutuila

Congresswoman Amata with Steve Vaiau
Sources: Media release from Cong. Aumua Amata's office

Washington, D.C. — This past week Congresswoman Aumua Amata  hailed House passage of bipartisan legislation managing the nation’s water infrastructure, which includes expedited feasibility studies for much-needed stabilizing efforts in in Aunu‘u Harbor and Tutuila. The bill is the two-year Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) that emphasizes congressional commitment to the nation’s water infrastructure, authorizes project studies and construction, and guides federal agencies.

“Our harbors and water infrastructure have outsized importance in American Samoa, where they are absolutely essential to our livelihood and supplies, and Pago Pago Harbor has lasting national strategic value,” said Aumua Amata. “Pago Pago Harbor and our other harbors always need important planning and upkeep, and I’ve docked many times at Aunu‘u where the need is clear. I expect these studies to emphasize the clear reasons for stabilization efforts, and present next steps.”

The bill directs expedited federal feasibility reports for American Samoa, and upon justification of that work, “may proceed directly to preconstruction planning, engineering, and design of the project.”
•    Project for shoreline stabilization, Aunu‘u Harbor, American Samoa.
•    Project for shoreline stabilization, Tutuila Island, American Samoa.

“Congratulations to Ports Director Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Tuia Poumele as Congress advances these efforts for our harbor safety and usability,” Congresswoman Amata continued.