Amata Welcomes Water Infrastructure Funds to American Samoa

Washington, DC – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata is welcoming federal funds for water infrastructure from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A grant of $154,000 is available to American Samoa through the program, which works to provide improved drinking water throughout the country. The legislation providing for these specific EPA programs are a result of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act).

"I'm pleased to welcome these federal funds for our islands' drinking water," said Aumua Amata. "We depend on federal investments in our Territory, and appreciate this federal support. Thank you especially to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, and congratulations to every who will be involved in this effort in American Samoa."

The Trump administration's EPA has prioritized modernization efforts for aging water infrastructure and funding for programs to reduce contaminants in drinking water. According to the EPA, federal funds are available in two new EPA drinking water grant programs established by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN). These include the EPA's new Voluntary Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care grant program, and the EPA's new Assistance for Small and Disadvantaged Communities grant program.

The Territory's grant allotment for the two grant programs is available on EPA's website. The Territory must submit workplans to EPA outlining their proposed project(s) for approval and funding. EPA will also announce funding details for another new grant program dedicated to reducing lead in drinking water systems over the next few months.

"EPA is committed to ensuring all Americans, regardless of their zip code, have access to safe and clean drinking water," stated EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler in the Agency's press announcement. "With these grants, EPA is fulfilling its core mission of providing states, tribes, and territories with the resources needed to protect children from lead exposure and other contaminants and ensure all American families have safe drinking water."