Amata Highlights $479 Million Funds and Updated Federal Guidance
Washington, D.C. – Monday, Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is highlighting over $479 million ($479,135,254) in federal funds resulting from this year's legislation known as the American Rescue Plan.
The U.S. Treasury announced this week that the funds from the American Rescue Plan's Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds would be received in a single payment, making up for lost revenue during the pandemic, while other relief funds for localities will also be announced later.
Congresswoman Amata in conversation on House floor before President Biden's recent speech
"These federal funds make a major difference for American Samoa," said Congresswoman Amata. "This federal support provides financial stability, and a good opportunity to get important things done. Congratulations to Governor Lemanu and Lieutenant Governor Talauega as they lead this effort. This legislation's fairness toward territories is the result of working together, including territories working as a team, and the Territory Governments and Members of Congress working in partnership."
Congress appropriated $4.5 billion to the territories, assigning half of that equally, and the rest divided by population. This decision protected the needs of the smaller territories, while providing for all.
Amata (in yellow) in the House of Representatives as President Biden speaks
Treasury also issued expanded guidance on how the money can be used to replace government revenue lost because of the pandemic. Funds can allow the Territory's employees to be paid and continue to provide their public services. Funds can provide job training and other assistance to unemployed workers, and direct aid to families facing food, housing, and other financial insecurity.
Funds can assist small businesses, particularly those dealing with travel and tourism, through loans, grants, and counseling to help their recovery.
Investment in water and sewer projects are allowed, provided they align with the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
Also under this guidance, broadband infrastructure can be built out to meet the standard of 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload speeds. Another eligible use is direct aid to households to support internet access at these speeds, under the American Rescue Plan grant to American Samoa.