Home

Gov. Togiola announces upcoming increase in Food Stamps & 800 hired for NEG; radio program update

(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today on his weekly radio program Mo Lou Silafia on KSBS-FM 92.1 announced that there will be an increase in Food Stamps and gave an update on FEMA assistance.

FOOD STAMPS

Governor Togiola said he has been informed by Human and Social Services Director Leilua Stevenson that Food Stamp benefits, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will be increased for program recipients.

“This is great news. I have been advised that as soon as DHSS completes the paperwork, the program participants will see an increase in their benefits,” said Governor Togiola. “SNAP provides a vital supplement to the food budgets of many of our island households each month.”

NATIONAL EMERGENCY GRANT (NEG)

Governor Togiola said the National Emergency Grant through the US Department of Labor has made it possible to employ many of the Territory’s residents in debris clean up, recovery, restoration and humanitarian efforts as a result of the disaster.

“The NEG program for debris clean up now has 30 certified worksites with 18 worksites awaiting certification,” said Govenor Togiola. “There are 1,451 temporary disaster workers that are required, and only 812 positions have been filled so far. The NEG staff is working hard to certify all worksites and fill worker requirements.”

Governor Togiola said any government or private non-profit organization who is interested in becoming an eligible worksite should contact the NEG office at the Fagatogo Square Building or 633-3360, 633-3361 or 633-3362. Non-profit organizations can be non-governmental or faith-based organizations. Private businesses are not eligible.

Interested individuals who are unemployed may apply to the NEG program at the Fagatogo Square Building or telephone 633-3360, 633-3361 or 633-3362. Or apply at the Department of Human Resources (DHR) at the Executive Office Building in Utulei.

Governor Togiola reminded all NEG workers or applicants that every worker is required to complete a background check with the Department of Public Safety and OTICIDE / American Samoa Department of Homeland Security.

“You will be hired under good intent until your employment clearances are received. If you have a police record, you will be terminated in accordance with standard government protocols. We are finding individuals who did not disclose this information in their government employment applications but found out from their background checks that they had disqualifying information. Anyone in this category that has worked will be compensated for their services,” said Governor Togiola.

Governor Togiola also said DHR is still awaiting additional official decision from USDOL on a possible extension of the NEG program beyond the original 6 months.

DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (DUA)

Governor Togiola said the deadline has past to register for DUA benefits (December 17th). The first payment of benefits is expected to be distributed to “Eligible Applicants” before the end of the coming week.

So far, the total amount of amount of those who are eligible is 264, with 1,410 applicants deemed not eligible primarily due to immigration status.

PERMANENT HOUSING CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM

Governor Togiola said the US Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have proposed to implement a Permanent Housing Construction Pilot Program to construct 50 or more private dwellings replacing those lost during the disaster.

Governor Togiola said the Office of the Governor received a letter dated December 18th regarding the proposal.

In accordance with the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act, the Council on Environmental Quality, the National Environmental Policy Act and FEMA's Emergency Management and Assistance regulations, FEMA is examining alternatives in anticipation of preparing a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA). Action alternatives under consideration include: 1) reconstruction on previous building sites to pre-disaster condition; 2) site selection, relocation and new construction on sites other than the applicant's pre-disaster site; and 3) no action.

FEMA invites comments from the public, on the proposal, and will accept information that individuals believe should be considered in assessing the potential environmental and / or socioeconomic impacts.

FEMA requests public comments are submitted within seven days of this notice.

Please direct correspondence to:

Ms. Donna M. Meyer,
Deputy Regional Environmental Officer
Deputy Environmental and historic Preservation Officer
US Department of Homeland Security - FEMA
1111 Broadway
Suite 1200
Oakland CA 94607

OR by email to fema-rix-ehp-documents@dhs.gov ; or by telephone at (510) 627-7027 or (510) 627-7728.

---americansamoa.gov---

Home

Archives

Gov. Togiola announces upcoming increase in Food Stamps & 800 hired for NEG; radio program update