“I am pleased to report that although the residents of American Samoa do not contribute to the federal gas tax, ASG has received nearly $70 million in Federal Highway funds in the past ten years,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “Nearly $23 million has been for the specific purpose of addressing our Emergency Relief needs.” 

     “In 1998, I was able to secure almost $34 million for our Territory under the provisions of a 6-year transportation bill.  I specifically earmarked $12 million in demonstration projects to pave and improve our village rural roads and improve our highway’s drainage system,” the Congressman said.  “This money was also allocated for other High Priority projects.”

     “I am pleased that the Federal Highway Administration continues to assist the Territory in addressing its critical transportation needs,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “While American Samoa has 56,000 residents, we have been able to secure Demonstration Project Funding comparable to the same amount allocated to Puerto Rico, which has a population of almost 4 million residents.” 

     “Senator Inouye also continues to offer his support.  For some time, I have been in discussions with Senator Inouye about allocating additional dollars for our Territorial Highway Program funds. Senator Inouye has assured me that he will work on the Senate side to support the initiative I have taken in the House to increase our transportation funding.”

     “Later this month, I will be testifying before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Related Agencies and will speak to the Territory’s concerns during this hearing,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) has become a significant policy issue in the 107th Congress.  It appears that the Federal Highway program could lose as much as $8.6 billion in FY2003.  This would result in a negative 27% decline in new highway contracts and obligations when compared with FY2002.” 

     “Like other members of Congress, I will voice my concerns about the anticipated shortfall and support legislation now pending before Congress to address this shortfall.  Although the Bush administration does not support any increase for highway funding due to the overall budget deficit, I remain hopeful that we will be able to find some room for negotiation and compromise as we move forward in addressing national and territorial transportation needs,” Congressman Faleomaveaga concluded.