Amata Highlights That 100% Federal COVID Funds Remain Available

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting the continuation of 100 percent federal funding through the end of 2021 for any emergency protective measure grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of COVID-19 response. In setting this federal policy with current Covid relief funds, the administration referred to the authority provided by Congress in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

“We’ve had a lot of major funding news recently and since early 2020, but this practical assistance that does not require a local match is helpful,” Amata said. “Thank you to anyone in the American Samoa Government or our medical administrative personnel putting in efforts for federal reimbursement on covid-related spending.”

This 100 percent federal funding policy was scheduled to end by September 30. The extension keeps the policy in effect through December 31, 2021. It applies to Public Assistance Category B, pursuant to sections 403 (42 U.S.C. 5170b), 502 (42 U.S.C. 5192), and 503 (42 U.S.C. 5193) of the Stafford Act.

The federal funding can include such efforts as a temporary medical covid-related facility, medical equipment or transport, covid-related provisions of shelter, food, water, medicine, personal protective and haz-mat gear, along with other basic services and supplies. The extension continues this 100 percent federal reimbursement through FEMA for costs concerning with the safety, reopening, and ongoing operation of public facilities, including retroactively, to January 20, 2020.

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