Amata Welcomes OIA Notice of $250,000 Audit Funds

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming a grant from the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Office of Insular Affairs (OIA), as also sent to Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula, advising of $250,000 to the American Samoa Government (ASG) Department of Treasury through the OIA Technical Assistance Program. 

“Congratulations to Governor Pulaali’i for proposing and acquiring these funds, and their use in necessary efforts,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Thank you to OIA for recognizing this need and responding promptly to the Governor’s application. Thank you to everyone at ASG who works on this and other projects that allow our territory to qualify for important federal support, as dollars that start in Congress have requirements at every step in order or funding to be delivered to serve our people.”

The funds are for Single Audit Assistance, as detailed in the proposal submitted on August 12, 2025. The OIA August 27 notification letter is from William W. Hague, who serves as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs. He states, “Timely and high-quality audits are crucial for the transparency and accountability of U.S. taxpayer funds allocated to the insular areas. Therefore, OIA has awarded this non-competitive discretionary grant, and I expect these funds will enable the Department of Treasury to bolster its efforts related to producing timely and high-quality Single Audits.”

He continues that the funds are intended for the hiring of staff with financial and accounting experience to perform activities resulting in accurate auditable financial data, and establish improved written processes for such activities to help ensure the timely completion of required annual single audits. OIA notes that a small portion of the funds are allowable for software, supplies and equipment that is directly related to the project.

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