Congressional Funding Secured for New Manuʻa Inter-Island Ferry
Pago Pago, American Samoa – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata announced today that the U.S. Congress has approved $2,437,602 in funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s Ferry Boat Program to support a new inter-island ferry for the Manuʻa Islands. This grant will fund the design, construction, and delivery of a modern ferry to replace aging vessels, ensuring safe, reliable, and consistent transportation for passengers and cargo within the Manuʻa Islands.
“This funding is a critical step forward for the people of Manuʻa,” said Congresswoman Amata. “Residents of Taʻū, Ofu, and Olosega will now have more dependable access to medical services, education, and essential goods, supporting both daily life and the economic vitality of our islands.”
Congresswoman Amata extended her sincere thanks to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy for the Department’s support and leadership in prioritizing inter-island transportation for American Samoa.
Congresswoman Amata has advocated for this funding through letters and budget requests emphasizing:
- Safety concerns of the old ferry.
- Economic necessity for consistent shipping.
- Federal legal obligations under U.S. maritime law for insular territories.
Port Director Barney Sene added, “This project represents a historic improvement for our maritime operations. We are excited to work closely with Congresswoman Amata and federal partners to bring a safe, reliable ferry to the Manuʻa Islands.”
The ferry will primarily serve:
- Taʻū Island – The largest of the Manuʻa group.
- Ofu Island – Providing critical cargo and passenger services.
- Olosega Island – Connected to Ofu by bridge but still requiring ferry transport for larger goods and supplies.
The design and engineering phase is expected to begin within the next 6–12 months, with construction following shortly after. The ferry is projected to start service by 2027, transforming inter-island travel and commerce for the Manuʻa Islands.
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