Congressman Faleomavaega announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded the American Samoa Government two grants totaling $2.5 million.  The two grants are both funded from the Airport Improvement Program administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).  The Airport Improvement Program was established by Congress under the Airport and Airway Improvement of 1982 that has been reauthorized in 2003 as the Vision100 - Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act.  The $2 million discretionary grant will provide funding to continue the installation of the perimeter fencing and the $500,000 entitlement grant will continue to fund improvements to the terminal building at the Pago Pago International Airport.

“This grant funding is critical for our main airport given the high priority of safety and access for visitors and locals travelling to and from American Samoa,” said Faleomavaega.  “The perimeter fencing will help enhance safety by restricting access for unauthorized persons within areas designated for airport operations and runways.  This is critical today given the events of September 11, 2001.”

“The modernization of the terminal building is welcomed during this time especially with an aging airport.  The modernization project includes the upgrade of the passenger departure lobby and will also provide more space in improving the efficiency of processing passengers through the main terminal.  This will make travelers more comfortable particularly with the long waiting lines and security checkpoints prior to departure.”    

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Matagi McMoore, the Director of the Port Administration, and the Governor for their efforts in improving our entry ports in American Samoa.  I, especially, want to thank my good friend and former colleague, Secretary LaHood of the USDOT, and J. Randolph Babbitt, Administrator for FAA, for their continued support of improving American Samoa’s infrastructure,” concluded Faleomavaega.