September 11, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- TAUTUA SAMOA RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANT OF $346,000 TO DEVELOP LOCAL FISHERIES

CONGRESSMAN FALEOMAVAEGA ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT HE HAS INFORMED MARY JANE PORTER, CHAIRPERSON OF THE TAUTUA SAMOA ASSOCIATION, THAT THEIR GRANT APPLICATION HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE ADMINISTRATION FOR NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAM (ANA).

THIS GRANT WILL BE USED TO DEVELOP A SMALL-SCALE FISH PROCESSING FACILITY. WHEN COMPLETED, THE FACILITY IS EXPECTED TO PROCESS FRESH BOTTOMFISH AND ALBACORE TUNA PROCURED FROM LOCAL FISHERMEN WHICH WILL BE SOLD LOCALLY AS WELL AS EXPORTED.

"I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE MARY JANE PORTER AND THE TAUTUA SAMOA ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR ROLE IN ASSISTING LOCAL BUSINESSES APPLY FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE SORELY NEEDED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL INDUSTRIES. THIS TYPE OF INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT WILL INEVITABLY ENHANCE AMERICAN SAMOA'S TAX BASE AND PROVIDE MUCH-NEEDED EMPLOYMENT FOR OUR LOCAL FISHERMEN," SAID CONGRESSMAN FALEOMAVAEGA.

ACCORDING TO THE GRANT AWARD, THIS NEW FACILITY IS EXPECTED TO PROVIDE 20-35 FULL-TIME JOBS IN AMERICAN SAMOA.