Community Project Funding Submissions

Appropriations Committee Community Project Funding Requests

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies 2027

• Project Title: Port of Pago Pago Reconstruction
• Project Recipient: American Samoa Department of Port Administration
• Recipient Address: 639 Airport Road, Pago Pago, American Samoa, 96799
• Amount Requested: $5,000,000

The American Samoa Port of Pago Pago Reconstruction Project is a multi-phase modernization and structural rehabilitation program designed to preserve, reconstruct, and strategically enhance the only deep-draft commercial port serving American Samoa, a remote U.S. territory in the South Pacific. The Port of Pago Pago functions as the Territory's sole maritime gateway, supporting 100% of imported food, fuel, medical supplies, and essential goods. Tuna exports are distributed to U.S. markets and federal food programs, U.S. Coast Guard operations and federal maritime security missions, regional disaster response, and emergency logistics. Recent structural investigations have confirmed advanced deterioration of the Main Wharf and Container Wharf, including pile degradation and deck deficiencies that threaten continued safe operation. Load restrictions have already been implemented to reduce structural risk, constraining cargo operations and limiting capacity.

Explanation of Taxpayer Value:
The project aims to address these challenges by implementing necessary improvements to the Pago Pago Seaport. This includes dock repairs/replacements, container yard upgrades, cargo-handling equipment improvements, utility enhancements, and safety/resilience measures.

FY27 THUD Sea Port Infrastructure CCPF Nexus & Disclosure

• Project Title: Pago Pago International Airport Improvement Program
• Project Recipient: American Samoa Department of Port Administration
• Recipient Address: 639 Airport Road, Pago Pago, American Samoa, 96799
• Amount Requested: $5,000,000

The Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) New Terminal Building Project proposes construction of a modern, resilient passenger terminal to replace the existing facility originally constructed in 1964. The current terminal has exceeded its intended service life and operational capacity. Decades of incremental expansions have resulted in constrained passenger flow, limited space for federally mandated security equipment, and growing maintenance challenges in a marine and cyclone-prone environment.

The proposed project will deliver a new, multi-level terminal facility designed to:

1. Significantly increase passenger throughput capacity
2. Provide jet bridge boarding capability
3. Integrate modern TSA, customs, and agricultural screening systems
4. Meet ADA accessibility standards
5. Incorporate climate-resilient and sustainability-driven design elements
6. Support future aviation growth and operational flexibility

Design is actively progressing, and the NEPA environmental review process is underway. The project is targeting groundbreaking for construction in early next year, subject to final funding alignment. This initiative represents the most significant landside aviation investment in American Samoa in over half a century.

Explanation of Taxpayer Value:
The modernization of American Samoa's primary international airport terminal is a vital infrastructure initiative to upgrade its outdated facilities, which serve as the main hub for commerce, tourism, and goods transport. The current state of the terminal is in disrepair due to aging infrastructure, severe weather, and damage due to declared disasters. The project aims to enhance operational efficiency, increase capacity, and meet modern aviation standards through comprehensive upgrades, including advanced technology, improved infrastructure, and sustainable design. These improvements are essential to support economic growth, ensure safety, and accommodate rising travel and trade demands in American Samoa.

FY27 THUD Airport CCPF Nexus & Disclosure Statement 

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies 2026

• Project Title: Pago Pago International Airport Improvement Program
• Project Recipient: American Samoa Department of Port Administration
• Recipient Address: 639 Airport Road, Pago Pago, American Samoa, 96799
• Amount Requested: $5,000,000

Project Description: The modernization of American Samoa’s primary international airport terminal is a vital infrastructure initiative to upgrade its outdated facilities, which serve as the main hub for commerce, tourism, and goods transport. The current state of the terminal is in disrepair due to aging infrastructure, severe weather, and damage due to declared disasters. The project aims to enhance operational efficiency, increase capacity, and meet modern aviation standards through comprehensive upgrades, including advanced technology, improved infrastructure, and sustainable design. These improvements are essential to support economic growth, ensure safety, and accommodate rising travel and trade demands in American Samoa.

Explanation of Taxpayer Value: Pago Pago International Airport is American Samoa’s main airport; and is in need of remediation and modernization to meet current standards.

FY26 THUD Airport Infrastructure CCPF Nexus & Disclosure 

• Project Title: Port of Pago Pago Reconstruction Initiative
• Project Recipient: American Samoa Department of Port Administration
• Recipient Address: 639 Airport Road, Pago Pago, American Samoa, 96799
• Amount Requested: $5,000,000

Project Description: The modernization of American Samoa’s sea ports - encompassing the Pago Pago Seaport, Tau Small Boat Harbor, Ofu Small Boat Harbor, and Aunu’u wharf - are essential and prioritized infrastructure projects for American Samoa.  These ports serve as the primary gateways for commerce, travel, and the movement of goods in American Samoa. All Port facilities are outdated, in significant disrepair, and unable to meet modern safety, efficiency, and capacity standards. The project we are seeking funding for through this opportunity is the Port of Pago Pago Reconstruction Initiative. Currently, the pavement at the Pago Pago Seaport exhibits numerous cracks and potholes, leading to significant damage to equipment. The last resurfacing of the Pago Pago Seaport took place in the early 2000s. Typically, the lifespan of pavement in a container yards is around 20 years, indicating the need for upgrades to the concrete slabs. Moreover, the Pago Pago Seaport is experiencing sinking, evident in the noticeable elevation difference between the New Wharf and the Container Yard. Furthermore, the existing drainage system is no longer functional. It is hypothesized that the damaged concrete and sinking yard have likely compromised the drainage system, resulting in water and oil waste pooling on the surface. These issues have created a hazardous working environment for employees and pose challenges to operations within the yard.

The project aims to address these challenges by implementing necessary improvements to the Pago Pago Seaport. This includes the installation of new concrete pavement and an upgraded drainage system, ultimately fostering a safer port environment and enhancing operational efficiency.

Explanation of Taxpayer Value: The Port of Pago Pago is American Samoa’s main container terminal, and is need of remediation and modernization to meet the needs of the territory.

FY26 THUD Sea Port CCPF Nexus & Disclosure Statement 

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies 2025

• Project Title: Pago Pago Airport Passenger Terminal Reconstruction Project
• Project Recipient: Pago Pago International Airport
• Recipient Address: 639 Airport Road, Pago Pago, American Samoa, 96799
• Amount Requested: $1,000,000

Project Description: The new passenger terminal will be key to maintaining medical, economic, and personal travel for this isolated U.S. Territory. The existing passenger terminal has suffered significant damage due to severe storms and weather events in recent years, including declared disasters. The new terminal will have more resilient facilities with improved capacity and LEED building certification, full ADA accessibility, and clean, sustainable energy. The new building will meet current building codes and will be built to withstand increasingly impactful climactic events. This project will result in a key regional hub for essential air travel in the region for years to come.

Explanation of Taxpayer Value: Pago Pago International Airport is American Samoa’s main airport; and is in need of remediation and modernization to meet current standards.

Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter.

• Project Title: Port of Pago Pago Development
• Project Recipient: American Samoa Department of Port Administration
• Recipient Address: 639 Airport Road, Pago Pago, American Samoa, 96799
• Amount Requested: $1,000,000

Project Description: The project focuses on rehabilitating the Container Yard of the Port of Pago Pago. Its primary goal is to address the extensive damage to the pavement that has occurred over the years. The proposed improvements involve removing the existing pavement, reinforcing the sediment and foundation, and installing new concrete slabs. Additionally, the project includes the implementation of a new and enhanced drainage system to prevent the accumulation of oil and water in the yard. The project aims to address these challenges by implementing necessary improvements to the container yard. This includes the installation of new concrete pavement and an upgraded drainage system, ultimately fostering a safer port environment and enhancing operational efficiency.

Explanation of Taxpayer Value: The Port of Pago Pago is American Samoa’s main container terminal, and is need of remediation and modernization to meet the needs of the territory.

Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter.

• Project Title: Tutuila Mountain Road Project
• Project Recipient: American Samoa Department of Public Works
• Recipient Address: Department of Public Works, 1^st Floor, Tafuna, American Samoa, 96799
• Amount Requested: $1,000,000

Project Description: This project will build a new road, as an alternative route to the main 001 highway. Benefits of this project will address sea level rise, allow for an evacuation route, increase mobility between the airport and seaport, and accessibility to critical infrastructure and services.

Explanation of Taxpayer Value: This project will benefit the community by providing alternative routes of transportation for the residents of American Samoa, especially in the mountainous interior.

Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter.

Energy & Water

• Project Title: Nu’uuli Shoreline Protection
• Project Recipient: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Recipient Address: 230 Otake Street, Fort Shafter, HI 96858
• Amount Requested: $1,000,000

Project Description: The proposed project is a shoreline revetment protection located at Nu’uuli Village, Tutuila, American Samoa.  The existing coastline has major erosion and is close to the residential area of the community.  This situation poses hazard to the community during high surf and strong wave action due to overtopping.

Explanation of Taxpayer Value: The proposed shoreline protection will improve safety to the community and minimize contamination to the marine habitat by stopping further erosion along the coastline.  This proposed project is to regain the land loss and stop the danger of marine species and habitat loss due to sedimentation and contamination.    

Financial Disclosure and Federal Nexus Certification Letter.