Governor Pulaali’i updates ARPA funding in a video on ASG site

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has provided an update on the ongoing ARPA projects via a video posted on the government’s official Facebook page.

While providing a general overview of the status of the projects being paid with ARPA funding, the governor focused mainly on reassuring stakeholders associated with the local Department of Education’s mission that they are actively working to appeal the US Department of Education's rejection of their request to extend the deadline for completing approved projects that exceed $40 million in funding under the American Rescue Plan Act.

OVERVIEW

The governor said that in 2021, an estimated $500 million of ARPA funding was allocated to American Samoa; however, American Samoa will lose this federal assistance if projects are not completed by December 2026.

“There were 70 projects that had already begun, but in January of this year, seven out of the 70 had been completed,” Gov. Pulaali’i stated. 

He said the efforts to expedite these infrastructural projects are a unified effort, with the legislature reaffirming its commitment in a meeting with Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean and Speaker of the House Savali Talavou Ale. 

“Over the past month, we've experienced both progress and setbacks.

“On one hand, we've secured critical relief for our tuna industry. On the other hand, we had been informed of two significant challenges: the rescission of $2.1 million in digital equity funding and the review of more than $40 million in ARPA funding [for the Department of Education].”

The governor pointed out that “states and territories across the country are facing similar challenges as the pandemic funding winds down” — American Samoa is not the only one being affected. 

ASDOE ARPA PROJECTS IN QUESTION

The governor said that the DOE ARPA projects now under review were federally approved and remained essential to the success of our schools and the well-being of our students.

He said he has reached out to Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, “our attorney general, as well as our staff from our local DOE, including Director [Maefau] Dr Mary Taufete’e, and we are working together to appeal this rescission from the USDOE.”

Governor Pulaali’i goes on to explain that “we have submitted our fiscal year 2026 Consolidated Grant application to the Department of Education on time.

“We hope that with this submission and a solid justification of the budget, will not be adversely affected.

“We are doing everything we can to assist our territory in retaining all ARPA funding. As we move forward, we aim to complete the numerous projects that will help us build our infrastructure with the support of funding from the federal government.”

Earlier this month, Director Maefau expressed her disappointment in a press release regarding the U.S. Department of Education’s recent decision to deny the American Samoa Department of Education's (ASDOE) request for an extension to complete projects funded under the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Director announced that ASDOE will appeal the decision, “as we firmly believe these projects are essential to supporting our students’ educational recovery and well-being.”

She said in her press release that “it is important to note that the initial approval for this extension was granted in a letter dated December 16, 2024, from the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE). 

“However, on March 28, 2025, a letter from the Secretary of Education rescinded this approval, requiring all states and outlying areas to reapply for the ARPA liquidation extension, with applications due on the same day.”

Of interest, Samoa News notes that the denial by the federal Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) to extend the period of time to complete the projects using the ARPA funds basically reviews each project and seems to also question ASDOE’s contention that the projects provide “necessary services that directly mitigate the effects of the COVID pandemic on students' education.”

HALECK PROFESSIONAL BUILDING PURCHASE UPDATE

Governor Pulaali’i’s update on the status of ARPA projects in the territory did not mention specifics on the purchase of the Haleck Professional Building currently happening. The purchase was mentioned in an official press release, updating the ARPA funded projects, as of December 31, 2024.

It explains briefly that “this acquisition will allow the DOH to establish its new headquarters, thereby consolidating staff and enhancing operational efficiency in the delivery of healthcare services.”

There is no mention of price or the funding source.

Samoa News has reached out to the ARPA Oversight Office and its executive director Robert Gebauer for comment on the purchase, via email, but there has been no reply. Gebauer is currently off-island.

Samoa News understands that the purchase process first began with the Lemanu Administration.

Unconfirmed reports state that the purchase price is $9 Million, based on an appraisal commissioned by the owners of the property and building, not ASG, and that the funding source is ARPA.