Amata Welcomes Over $4.1 Million to Fund ASPA and ASTCA High-Priority Energy Projects

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting federal funding of $4,193,840 from the Department of the Interior (DOI) through the Office of Insular Affairs’ Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) program. 

This grant will be used by American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) and American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) for high-priority energy projects, as detailed in their EIC grant applications submitted this year.  

“Thank you to ASPA and ASTCA for putting in the work necessary to receive and implement federal funds for our Territory from DOI, and congratulations to Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga and Lt. Gov. Talauega E.V. Ale as they work with Assistant Secretary Carmen Cantor, Deputy Assistant Secretary Keone Nakoa, and OIA Director John Brewer on various efforts.”

The three high-priority energy project grants are as follows:

• $1,903,840 to the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) for its Smart Metering and Operation Management System – Time of Use Tariff Project.
• $1,620,000 to the American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA) for the procurement of electric trucks and charging stations.
• $670,000 to the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority (ASTCA) for the purchase of two air-cooled chiller units and appurtenances for the Fagatogo Central Office building.

Federal funding, whether yearly known funding or new grants, is determined by departments and agencies after Congress created the programs legislatively. Congress is currently working on 2024 Appropriations.

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