Amata Welcomes $1.4 Million EDA Grant

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming a federal funding announcement Wednesday from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) of a travel and tourism grant of $1,395,492 for American Samoa.

This grant, based on the American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress in March, is part of a pool of $10 million created by EDA then assessed by population among the territories. That amount in turn is part of $196 million announced Wednesday for 24 locations nationwide by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

“Thank you to EDA and Secretary Raimondo for this grant, and ensuring the smaller territories were considered,” Congresswoman Amata said. “Congratulations to American Samoa Government and our business community upon this federal funding focused on building up these important aspects of our local economy for the future. Thank you especially to those who will work on this plan and project in cooperation with the EDA under the leadership of Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga and Lieutenant Governor Talauega E.V. Ale.”

These travel, tourism and outdoor recreation grants are focused on accelerating the recovery of communities that rely on these sectors, and have faced pandemic challenges. The grants help localities invest in marketing, infrastructure, workforce or other needs to support recovery and resilience of these industries.

In her national announcement, Secretary Raimondo said, “The State Tourism grants give states and territories the flexible opportunity to boost their local tourism industry and ensure that jobs are restored and tourists return safely.”

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