November 13, 1998

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. ---- FALEOMAVAEGA ANNOUNCES $5,198,434 FOR PHASE THREE OF TA'U ROAD PROJECT

Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that he has received notification from the Department of the Army that the American Samoa Government has been awarded $5,198,434 in federal funds for phase three of the Ta'u road project. Local administration of the project is under the Highway Division of ASG's Department of Public Works.

"This funding will provide support for Phase III of a project which is vital to the people of Manu'a," said the Congressman. "The Ta'u road project has been ongoing for some time, and I am pleased that it appears to finally be on the way to completion," he continued.

Faleomavaega went on to explain that Phase III of the Ta'u road project will consist of the construction of over four miles of concrete road improvements in Ta'u. "The funding from the US Army Corps of Engineers will allow ASG to move this critical project forward without further delay," the Congressman said. The estimated date of completion for Phase III is November of the year 2000.

The Congressman went on to congratulate the Governor and the Director of Public Works and their staffs for securing the necessary funding for Phase III. "Governor Tauese, Director of Public Works Dr. Vaegae and the staff of DPW's Highway Division are to be commended for their efforts in bringing this funding to American Samoa," said Faleomavaega.

The Congressman continued, "I am pleased that the current administration has made improving the roads for the people of Manu'a a high priority." Faleomavaega concluded, "This funding from the Army Corps of Engineers, along with the $34 million which Congress appropriated for American Samoa over the next six years, will go a long way towards improving the condition of the highways for the people of the territory."