Governor’s Office plans to take over old ANZ building in Fagatogo

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Governor’s Office is making plans to move several government offices to the old ANZ building in Fagatogo.

And it was noted in a letter to Fono leaders that $2 million for the ANZ building and furnishings is part of the now approved $19.50 supplemental for FY 2024 and signed into law, after the governor exercised his line-item veto.

The $2.5 million from the line-item vote is now being transmitted to the Fono to be considered at the special session next month. And this proposed supplemental appears to be the second supplemental budget for FY 2024 to be funded with unobligated and unexpended revenues from fiscal year 2022. So this $2.5 million remains pending for appropriation by the Fono.

(See complete list of approved budget items in story elsewhere in this issue.)

According to a press release issued by the office, scheduled for relocation are the Governor's Office, Executive Administration, Legal Counsel, Finance, Personnel, Protocol, and IT.

Location and symbolism were the reasons given for the move.

“The decision to relocate to the ANZ building takes into consideration its advantageous position, situated near the Judicial and Legislative branches. Fagatogo has a historic tie for housing all three branches of our government, making this move not only practical but also symbolic of the unity of our governance system,” the release says.

The close proximity of these vital governmental entities will encourage an effective inter-branch coordination, strengthening American Samoa’s overall governance framework, according to the release, which also said timeline and details would become public once “plans are finalized.”