| Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) is ready to release to the American Samoa
Government 6.5 acres of land at the Tafuna Airport so that the U.S. Army
Reserve (USAR) can begin construction of its new $20 million training facility.
“There was considerable amount of time spent on discussions between
my office, the FAA and the USAR to work out this deal, and I am just glad
that we have resolved it,” Faleomavaega said. “With this agreement
from the FAA, the ASG and USAR can now begin the process to secure the
property and enter into detailed lease negotiations.”
As it now stands, the FAA has agreed to release the land from Federal
obligation and re-designate the property for non-aeronautical purposes.
The FAA has also agreed to extend a 55-year lease to USAR. For its
part, USAR has agreed to pay fair-market value for the property.
“It’s a win-win for everybody,” Faleomavaega said. “Prior
to this agreement, the airport stood to lose Federal funding if ASG leased
the site to USAR at a nominal lease rate. Now that the military has
agreed to pay fair-market value, the airport will retain its right to Federal
funding and will still receive fair-market rates from USAR. In turn,
the military will be able to construct its $20 million facility on a site
that is best-suited to meet the training needs of our troops.”
“All that’s left is for ASG to submit a formal request to the FAA
Airports Division, Western-Pacific Region to release the said property,”
Faleomavaega said. “In fact, Mr. Herman C. Bliss, Manager of the
FAA Western Division has already been notified to expedite the handling
of this FAA request and to coordinate with ASG the preparation and submission
of the release.”
Beyond the details of the lease agreement, Faleomavaega also noted
Senator Inouye’s involvement in securing funds for construction of the
new military facility in American Samoa. “Senator Inouye and I have worked
on this project for the past five years,” Faleomavaega said. “I am confident
this facility will be both a boon to our economy and a much-needed and
welcome operation.”
“I thank Senator Inouye for his commitment and assistance and I
also thank Governor Tauese and his staff for their support in getting this
project underway,” Faleomavaega said. “I think it’s fair to say that
we’re all looking forward to groundbreaking and to renewed and strengthened
relations with the United States Army Reserve. |
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