Amata Welcomes $67,000 DOT Grant for American Samoa Homeland Security

Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata was pleased to welcome a $67,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for the American Samoa Government for hazardous materials safety.

"American Samoans greatly appreciate our first responders, and all they do to be ready in time of need," Aumua Amata said. "I welcome this funding for the preparation and safety of emergency personnel and the people they serve in any potential crisis."

Specifically, this $67,148 Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) Grant from the DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is designated for the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security.

The grant funds efforts to enhance their ability to respond to hazardous materials transportation incidents. This includes assisting in performing hazardous materials response duties and aiding in the development, implementation, and improvement of emergency plans and training for local communities. The HMEP grant program allows flexibility for the differing needs of each location. The funds can be used in developing or revising emergency plans and training activities to account for bulk transportation of energy products, studies regarding hazmat shipments, and training emergency responders to respond appropriately to hazmat and other incidents.

"I appreciate the DOT's recognition of the need to include American Samoa in this effort," Congresswoman Amata continued. "Congratulations especially to the program manager, Alexander V. Tali, along with Director Samana Semo Ve'ave'a and everyone else at the Department involved in this grant."

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