Amata Advises ASG of $3.5 Million Grant from FEMA

Washington D.C. -- Congresswoman Aumua Amata was informed this week by the Disaster Response Chief, Congressional Affairs Division, that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a Federal grant in the amount of $3,267,000 for American Samoa.  This funding will go to the Rock Fall Mitigation Project.  Specifically, the grant will fund, scaling, rock removal and the installation of steel ring nets to control falling rock that will minimize loss of life and the danger to approaching traffic at Matalesolo Point, Anapeapea Point, Tifa Point, and Lafiga Point in American Samoa. 

“I am excited about this grant and I want to congratulate the Territorial Emergency Management Coordinating Office, State Hazard Mitigation Officer Lima Fiatoa, and the Department of Public Works (DPW) which created the application.  DPW’s team consists of, Director of Public Works Faleosina Voigt, Estella Ruben and Ruben Siatu’u.  I’d like to commend all of them for their hard work in service to our people.  American Samoa is fortunate to have unsung heroes such as these individuals looking out for our Territory. This effort will help ensure the safety of our people,” said Amata.

American Samoa was granted a waiver to reduce the non-Federal cost share to 10% for all programs under this disaster.  FEMA will obligate funding for this project directly to American Samoa.