Aumua Announces Series of Grant Awards Totaling $2.7 Million for Local Airport Operations

Washington, D.C. – Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded a series of transportation grants to the American Samoa Government for operations at Pago Pago International, Ofu, and Fitiuta Airports.

“These funds will serve to ensure that our local airports are operating safely, and help to develop plans for future expansion,” said Amata. “It is essential that we continue to build a strong infrastructure here in American Samoa, to make sure that 1. We can import and export the goods we need, and 2. To attract further development here in our beautiful home,” continued the Congresswoman.

Specifically, the grants will:

• $ 100,000.00 - Conduct a Safety Management System (SMS) Study at Ofu Village Airport. SMS is a proactive approach to managing safety for both the service provider and the FAA.
• $ 100,000.00 - Develop a Safety Management System (SMS) Manual and Implementation Plan at Fitiuta Airport. SMS is a proactive approach to managing safety for both the service provider and the FAA.
• $ 700,000.00 - Fund the design phase for shoreline area improvements needed for protection of the existing runway safety area and to enhance the safety of operations at the airport.
• $ 900,000.00 - Fund an update to the airport master plan narrative report and airport layout plan to address key issues, objectives and goals pertinent to the airport's future development.
• $ 900,000.00 - Fund an airport master plan study to provide an airport master plan narrative report and airport layout plan to address key issues, objectives and goals pertinent to the airport's future development.

“I want to thank Dr. Claire Poumele, Director of the Department of Port Administration, and her team who worked to obtain these important funds for our islands. I also want to thank Ronnie Simpson with the DOT’s Regional Office, and those FAA officials who recognized the need for these grants,” continued Amata. “I look forward to continuing to work with our officials back home and those here in Washington to ensure that American Samoa is receiving the assistance it deserves,” concluded the Congresswoman.

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