More than than $10.1 million in grants have been awarded to American Samoa for airport improvements from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
Congresswoman Aumua Amata said that efforts to preserve and update the Pago Pago Airport are major projects that deserve this funding.
She added, “American Samoa must always have a dependable, accessible and well-maintained airport to help counter our economic and geographic isolation.”
Specifically, two DOT grants, one for $10 million and one of $135,000, are designated for the ongoing rehabilitation of Pago Pago International Airport.
The larger grant is to upgrade the runway apron area, which is where aircraft are parked for refueling, loading, unloading and other services, while the other funds are for runway safety features.
The congresswoman said, “I welcome the DOT’s understanding of the importance of this airport to us on American Samoa.
“I appreciate also the efforts of all those at work on these improvements, and the leadership of Port Administration Director, Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele.”
