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Amata Welcomes NOAA Coastal Grant of Over $1 Million

August 13, 2019

Washington, D.C.—Tuesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata welcomes a grant of $1,033,000 for American Samoa through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

These funds are available to the American Samoa Department of Commerce under the Coastal Zone Management Act, passed initially in 1972, with budget appropriations since by each Congress, for the National Coastal Zone Management Program.

"In American Samoa, our coasts are so beautiful, but can also include hazardous conditions or require preservation efforts, and all of our villages are coastal communities," said Aumua Amata. "This program's funds are used to develop these communities, work to protect coasts, and prevent unnecessary dangers and problems along these shoreline areas."

"I want to especially thank Commerce Director Keniseli Lafaele for his ongoing efforts with this program," continued Congresswoman Amata. "We also appreciate those at NOAA directing these funds to the needs of our communities and coasts in American Samoa."

NOAA is a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce. NOAA is led by Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction Dr. Neal Jacobs.

American Samoa's use of these federal funds is part of a federal-territory partnership with the objective of responsibly developing, restoring and protecting coastal areas and their natural resources. These efforts include removing coastal hazards, water quality and habitat protection, and ensuring wave and storm surge possibilities are included in land use activity considerations.

Issues:Environment