“Since 1990, American Samoa has received about $23 million in Emergency Relief funds from the Federal Highway Administration.  These funds are in addition to the Territorial Highway Program funds and the Demo or High Priority Project funds and are for purposes of repairing damage caused by natural disasters or catastrophic failures,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “Emergency Relief Funds are part of a Congressional set-aside.  They are not a part of a competitive grant process.” 

     “However, Emergency Relief funds can only be released if a State or Territory can substantiate its claim by way of application,” the Congressman continued.  “States and Territories generally work with their Regional office to assess and estimate the costs of damage.  In this case, American Samoa worked with the Division office in Hawaii and the Division office referred the request for these funds to FHWA headquarters in Washington, D.C.”

     “I want to commend Governor Sunia and his administration for submitting the necessary request for the release of these federal dollars to repair and reconstruct a segment of Route 1 that was damaged as a result of a rockslide,” Congressman Faleomavaega said.  “I am confident that as our local government continues to work with the Division office in documenting its claims for Emergency Relief funds, the FHWA will continue to respond favorably.”