Amata Welcomes Biden Disaster Declaration for Wave and Wind Damages
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming a disaster declaration by President Biden which opens up federal support for the recent wind and wave damages during a king tide flooding.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sent a congressional notification of the President’s declaration on September 15 covering the July 12-15 event with damages from high surf, strong wind, and flood waters.
“This is welcome news, and I want to thank President Biden and all those in American Samoa who provide the federal government with the necessary documentation to support this declaration,” said Aumua Amata. “The United States has supported our islands repeatedly in recent years, including Storm Gita, and Covid-related funding. I want to thank FEMA for these important services to ensure safety, and thank you to all those who will do necessary rebuilding work at the flooding sites.”
The designated areas for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) services are under review but all of American Samoa falls under eligibility for damage assessment and mitigation.
This program provides funding to rebuild communities in a way that mitigates future disaster losses in those communities. Funding is made available after the President issues a major disaster declaration. FEMA conducts a final eligibility review to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
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