The President wants to use his last year in office to continue his efforts to preserve the nation’s land and water reserves with a commitment of $263 million nationwide.  “This is good news for American Samoa,” said Faleomavaega.  “We know that if the proposal is fully funded, our local Coastal Zone Management office will get an additional $1.1 million, and our National Marine Sanctuary (Fagatele Bay) will get an additional $289,000.”

Continuing, the Congressman said, “In addition, there is a new weather observatory in the budget, and American Samoa will get part of the $15 million national budget for coral reef preservation, which is an increase of $5 million above current year spending.”

“There is considerable disagreement within Congress both on how much money to spend next year, and which programs should get increased funding, so undoubtedly these figures will change.  But, the Administration’s priorities look very good for American Samoa, and I will do all I can to keep them intact,” stated Faleomavaega.

The additional $1.1 million for the CZM program would be used to improve the management of coastal watersheds to reduce sedimentation and polluted runoff, and to increase support for village level management of coastal development and local involvement in coral reef and fishery management issues.

The additional $289,000 for Fagatele Bay would be used for additional research monitoring and mapping of the reefs, to hire an educational specialist and an administrative assistant, to upgrade the current office, to complete a cultural resource inventory, and to expand the local public education program.