Aumua Announces Increased Transportation Funding for American Samoa

Washington, D.C. – December 07, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Congresswoman Aumua Amata, just one day after announcing the dramatic increase to education funding that Congresswoman Amata was able to negotiate with House Education & Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline, which drastically increases the funding for education on the island, the Congresswoman announced that with the passage of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST) yesterday, American Samoa will also see an increase in surface transportation infrastructure funding.

“It seems that the federal government and leadership in Congress are finally beginning to listen to the requirements needed for American Samoa in regards to funding. While this modest increase will not solve all of the issues our beautiful island is facing in regards to our roads and bridges, it is a step in the right direction,” said Amata.

The FAST Act is a five year reauthorization of federal highway & transit programs that will reform and strengthen transportation programs, refocus on national priorities, provide long-term certainty and more flexibility for states and local governments, and streamline project approval processes, while maintaining a strong commitment to safety.

“I want to thank Chairman Shuster, Ranking Member DeFazio, and committee staff for their long hours of work in getting this legislation to the House floor,” said Amata. “While this bill will provide a much needed increase to the funding for our transportation infrastructure in American Samoa, I will continue to work with leadership to ensure that these increases continue and keep pace with the real needs of our island. I will also continue to work with my colleagues to ensure a fair and balanced allocating of the funding, based on measurable standards and needs,” concluded Amata.