Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that by a vote of 412 to 8, the House and Senate agreed to pass HR 3, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users which includes his request for $16 million for village roads and other transportation projects in American Samoa. 

“In a letter dated July 29, 2005, I informed Governor Togiola and our Fono members of this news and I am pleased to report that the $16 million will be distributed in the following way,” Faleomavaega said. 

1.     $1 million has been set aside for shoreline protection and drainage mitigation for Nuuuli village roads;

2.     $1.4 million for village road improvements for Tau, Ofu, and Olosega-Sili counties in Manua district;

3.     $1 million for shoreline protection and drainage mitigation for Aua village roads;

4.     $1.4 million for drainage mitigation in Malaeloa-Leone village roads;

5.     $1.6 million to upgrade, repair and continue construction of Tau harbor/ferry terminal facility on Manu’a island;

6.     $3 million village road improvements for Launiusaelua and Ituau counties in the Central district;

7.     $3 million for village road improvements for Tualauta, Tualatai, Aitulagi, Fofo, and Alataua counties in the Western district;

8.     $2.6 million for village road improvements for Sua and Vaifanua counties in the Eastern district; and

9.     $1 million for drainage mitigation for Pago Pago village roads.

“Additionally, we were able to increase overall funding for the Territorial Highway Program (THP).  The Territorial Highway Program includes American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and CNMI and funding in this category is divided according to population, highway use and other factors.”

“For each of fiscal years 2005 and 2006, THP funding will increase from $36.4 million to $40 million.  For each of fiscal years through 2007 through 2009, THP funds will increase to $50 million.  For American Samoa, this means we will receive $4 million per year for FY2005-2006, and $5 million per year for each of fiscal years 2007-2009 for a total of $23 million in base funding plus $16 million in high priority funds for a grand total of $39 million.”