Secretary Zinke announces funding for American Samoa to support parks and outdoor recreation


Washington, D.C. — U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced that $25,000 in revenues available through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) will be distributed to American Samoa for Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grants that support outdoor recreation and conservation projects.

These funds, which are made up of non-taxpayer dollars from Outer Continental Shelf lease revenues, are part of $61.6 million being awarded to the 50 states, the Territories, and the District of Columbia. The funds come through federal matching grants that leverage public and private investment in America’s state and local public parks.

           

The funds enable state and local governments to improve park and other recreation areas in their communities by rehabilitating and upgrading existing parks, creating brand new parks in places that have none, and developing and expanding trail systems that link communities to each other and to additional outdoor recreation opportunities.

  

(Source: DOI media release)

AMERICAN SAMOA PARKS BENEFIT

Public facilities in three of American Samoa's most popular parks, Utulei Beach Park, Lions Park and Onesosopo Park are getting renovated.

Utulei Beach Park restrooms have new tiling, toilets and urinals and the shower has been moved for better access. Lions and Onesosopo Parks will also receive new toilets and urinals. The three parks are popular venues for reunions, camps, picnics and other gatherings all year round.

The renovation work is being funded by a grant of $75K from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The public bathrooms at all parks are open from 6.00am to 10.00pm Monday to Sunday. 

(Source: American Samoa Visitors Bureau)