Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that American Samoa will be receiving over $3 million in additional funding from the federal government to assist with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs in the Territory. 

“Over $2 million of this increase will be used for the Tafuna Plains Sewer project,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “Initially, the USEPA set aside $5.8 million for the Tafuna Plains Sewer project and has now revised its assistance to $7.8 million.  This increased funding will be used to continue the construction of the wastewater collection and conveyance system for the Tafuna Plains in American Samoa, which is desperately needed.”

“An additional $880,000 will be used to increase our consolidated grant.  The USEPA currently provides $2.6 million for our local USEPA needs and this additional increase will bring our assistance to over $3.5 million.  Again, our local government does not have to compete for these funds.  Instead, we appropriate money in Congress and direct the USEPA to divide the funds according to a formula that is in the best interest of our constituencies.”

“I am pleased that Congress continues to support American Samoa’s needs and I thank my friends, in the House and Senate, both Republican and Democrat, for working with me to make sure that American Samoa gets its fair share of federal funds.  With more than a billion dollars in federal aid sent to American Samoa in a seven year period, we are getting the job done and I thank you for your prayers and support,” the Congressman concluded.