A $4.4 million grant from the US Economic Development Administration will finally see the vision of the super alia project, come to fruition.
The grant which was announced by US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross on November 25 will fund the purchase of four modern and upgraded traditional-stylized commercial fishing vessels that will support the growth of the local fishing fleet.
One vessel will function as a training platform while the other three will serve as business incubators for boat owners and crew.
At a press conference hosted by Director of Commerce Fuiavailili Keniseli Lafaele yesterday to announce the EDA funding, DOC Territorial Planner Michael McDonald said the contract for an experienced boat builder to construct the super alia should be out in the first quarter of 2021.
The first alia should be delivered in 10-12 months.
The procurement for construction of the other three boats which will be for training purposes using th incubator model, will follow.
McDonald explained that the super alia project is more than just building boats.
Play Audio mike-incubator
“There are a lot of people to be thanked, ” stated DOC Director Fuiavailili Kenisseli Lafaele. “I would like to acknowledge the support and leadership of our Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga and Lt. Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga for their support of this program.”
He also thanked EDA leadership in Seattle, WA and to others who played a pivotal role in getting this initiative to where it is today. This includes Department of Interior Office of Insular Affairs Executive Director Nikolao Pula and Field Representative Lydia Faleafine-Nomura.
