EPA funds ASG over $4.1 million for clean water infrastructure

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — American Samoa is in line for federal funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of $4,119,000 in clean water infrastructure funds.

This announcement is part of $775 million nationwide announced Friday for clean water infrastructure projects provided through annual appropriations from Congress as loans. The investment will help communities upgrade essential wastewater and stormwater systems to protect public health.

The funds are from the 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act passed by Congress in December, distributed through this year’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF).

Just last week Vaifanua Faipule, Shaun O Va’a continued his fight for quality drinking water for residents of the eastern side.

In a recent hearing before the local House with American Samoa Power Authority Director Wallon Young, Va’a said it has been six years but their people continue to “deal” with the poor quality of water — describing it as brackish.

During the hearing, it was suggested that the eastern ASPA water quality is so poor that they should not be paying the same rates as customers on the westside of the island, whose water quality is considerably better.

Of interest, it was noted that Aunu’u residents do not pay for their water at all due to what ASPA CEO Young pointed out was the extremely poor quality of water in Aunu’u.

Committee chairman Ape Mike Asifoa said there have been numerous complaints against ASPA over this issue, hence the hearing.

 “The hearing is about the water condition on the eastern side of the island. Residents of the eastern side have complained about the condition and the quality of water — at the same time, they are paying the same rates to ASPA like everyone,” said the Chairman.

Va’a emphasized this has been a long-standing issue.

 “This issue I have definitely brought up with ASPA during my first term in office as a Faipule for Vaifanua, four years ago.

 “The temporary fix was the installation of RO (reverse osmosis) water machines in each village of our district so people can utilize them for free.

 “It's now been almost six years since we've been using those RO machines — but we need a permanent solution.

Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata said, “Upgrading and modernizing our water infrastructure is a constant priority, and I’m pleased to highlight these federal funds to target a project in this important area of need.”

EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in a national announcement, “Too many communities across the country are facing challenges with water infrastructure – from climate impacts like drought vulnerability, to a lack of basic wastewater services that everyone deserves.” He continued, “This funding paired with this historic funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will support local economies while advancing projects in communities to help ensure clean, safe water for residents.”

These funds are additional to $2.4 billion nationally from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed into law in November 2021. That February announcement of funds including grants and principal forgiveness loans to help underserved communities across America invest in water infrastructure, stated the availability of 56 million apportioned among American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.