Amata Welcomes Aircraft Fire and Rescue Equipment Grant
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming notice of a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) providing over $66,000 for an aircraft rescue and fire fighting safety equipment project at Pago Pago International Airport.
Specifically, the grant of $66,666 is through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, and due to Congressional COVID funding, includes the matching requirement for American Samoa Government (adding $6,666 to the initial $60,000 grant amount.)
These federal funds will acquire a portable equipment cart, along with installing external modifications on one Airport Improvement Program funded aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicle, for the Airport to use in conducting aqueous film forming foam testing — a fire suppressant to rapidly extinguish and smother flames.
“As grants go, this one isn’t the largest, but it could be very important safety equipment and forward-thinking to have in readiness,” said Amata. “Thank you most of all to Director Chris King for leading this project. Congratulations to Governor Lemanu Mauga and Lt. Governor Talauega Ale upon this airport safety improvement for our people. Finally, thank you to FAA Administrator Steve Dickson for continuing to include the needs of American Samoa in the FAA’s work, as this follows just days ago a major DOT runway investment for our airport.”
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