“Investing in America Agenda” is pouring $69 million+ into Am Samoa

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — U.S President Joe Biden’s “Investing in America Agenda” has catalyzed over $69 million in new investments across American Samoa since taking office in 2021, according to the White House, which released late last week, separate Fact Sheets on Biden’s agenda for all states and territories.

According to the White House, Biden’s Investing in America agenda – includes historic legislation signed into law, legislation such as the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act.

The $69 million, for “Rebuilding American Samoa’s Infrastructure” covers the already announced 9 projects across the territory, according to the summary Fact Sheet, which points out that the funds include $12 million in federal investments to fund transportation projects – roads, bridges, and roadway safety – and over $50 million for better access to clean water.

For example — $2.1 million has been awarded for the Aunu'u Wharf Reconstruction Project. The funds will help fortify, repair, and upgrade the Wharf, which is currently Aunu'u Island's only access point.

Other examples listed on the Fact Sheet:

•           Department of Port Administration received funds to construct boats and ferry maintenance facilities. These ferries will provide essential travel services for residents and visitors in American Samoa.

•           The Ofu Airport in Manu’a was awarded funds for a storm damage reduction and resilience project that will protect the airport's runway from erosion and improve runway safety. Additionally, Ofu Island received funds to complete a feasibility study for a resilience project in Tau Harbor.

•           The Pago Pago International airport received $1 million for runway rehabilitation.

LOWER COSTS FOR LOCAL FAMILIES

Thanks to the Investing in America agenda legislation, American Samoa residents are able to save money on high-speed internet, and home energy costs, according to the White House Fact Sheet.

•           Over 2,700 American Samoa residents with Medicare will benefit from the $2,000 yearly cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, a $35 monthly cap per insulin prescription, and free vaccines.

 •          New rebates will make it more affordable for families in American Samoa to purchase energy efficient appliances when they need to, make repairs around their homes, and save money on their utility bills each month.

•           Nearly 2,000 American Samoa households are able to access affordable high-speed internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program investments made as part of the President’s Investing in America agenda.

CLEAN ENERGY & COMBATTING CLIMATE CRISIS

According to the White House, the Investing in America agenda is delivering a clean, secure, and healthy future for American Samoa families by:

•           Expanding clean energy job opportunities —  with a historic set of incentives that will create positions across solar, wind, storage, and other clean energy industries. For the first time, the Inflation Reduction Act opens up possibilities for offshore wind development along the coasts of American Samoa, allowing the Department of the Interior to conduct wind lease sales in feasible areas following consultations with the Governor.

•           Protecting American Samoa against extreme weather — with historic investments for more resilient homes, businesses, and communities. This includes dedicated technical assistance funding for climate resilience and expanded support for coastal restoration and protection. In 2018, American Samoa was struck by Tropical Storm Gita, costing the territory up to $186 million in damages, disproportionately affecting historically underserved communities.

•           Supporting rural communities — by investing in climate-smart agriculture practices to help farms in American Samoa lead on climate solutions, and providing agricultural producers and rural small businesses in American Samoa with support for clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades.