Update: Amata Hails $18.8 Million DOT Grant for Runway
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming a grant announcement for Pago Pago International Airport from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) totaling over $18.8 million for runway rehabilitation, including $17.8 million in discretionary funds. These funds are derived from the FY 2022 Appropriations passed by Congress in March.
March FEMA flight upon arrival in American Samoa
Earlier this week, Congress was given official notification of the discretionary portion of this DOT grant, specifically $17,819,676, for this American Samoa Government project. A more detailed Thursday notification by DOT included one million dollars in non-discretionary funds as well, increasing the total that was initially reported. All funds are designated to the runway rehabilitation project for the long-term safety and reliability of the airport.
“I want to once again thank Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Steve Dickson for this federal support that will improve our airport for years to come,” said Amata. “Our Pago Pago International Airport has one of the longest runways in all of the Pacific Islands, and this major project will keep our runway strategically capable for even the largest aircraft.”
“As remote islands, we rely on our airport as a key link to the United States, so I’m pleased to pass along official notification of these important funds,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “Congratulations to Governor Lemanu Mauga, Lt. Governor Talauega Ale, and Port Director Chris King as they lead this project.”
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