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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR – AMERICAN SAMOA
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Saturday, January 2, 2010)
Contact: click here to email newsroom
Office: (684) 633-4116 - Fax: (684) 633-2269 - Cell: (684) 733-4680
Gov. Togiola updates recovery and restoration on Saturday radio program
(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today reported on the permanent housing construction program, temporary school facilities and Disaster Unemployment Assistance on his weekly radio program –Mo Lou Silafia– on KSBS-FM 92.1.
Permanent Housing Construction Program
Governor Togiola said the construction for the permanent housing program is scheduled to begin on January 11th for families who chose to have FEMA contractors build their house. Site inspections have begun for approval of work orders with the permanent housing construction program.
Temporary School Facilities
“The SPRUNG structures for the temporary school facilities are still undergoing electrical work and pre-final inspections,” said Governor Togiola. “FEMA had hoped for completion in time for the new semester but they encountered challenges with the weather and other related delays.”
Crisis Counseling Services
Governor Togiola said that through a Crisis Counseling Program grant to the Department of Human and Social Services, outreach crisis counseling teams have been active in their efforts with individuals needing these services by visiting affected individuals in the villages. Over the next week, these services will continue in the following sectors:
Westside (Faleniu, Happy Valley, Mapusaga Fou, Mesepa, Petesa)
Central (Avau, Faganeanea, Leloaloa)
East (Alega, Auasi, Avaio, Utumea Sasa’e)
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
“We are very thankful that through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, the benefits from the Disaster Unemployment Assistance provides financial assistance to individuals whose employment or self-employment has been lost or interrupted as a direct result of a major disaster,” said Governor Togiola. “More than $14,000 in benefits will be distributed to eligible applicants next week.”
Governor Togiola said, so far, the total number of eligible applicants is 264, with 1,410 ineligible applicants primarily due to their immigration status.
“Ineligible applicants due to immigration status are encouraged to pursue applying for a change of status to permanent resident (CA),” said Governor Togiola. “This will help with your eligibility, if other criteria are met.”
National Emergency Grant
Governor Togioal said the National Emergency Grant (NEG) program for debris clean up, recovery, restoration and humanitarian efforts as a result of this disaster now has 33 worksites, with 18 worksites awaiting certification.
“The great news is that we have filled 826 temporary disaster worker positions and we still have 650 positions to fill,” said Governor Togiola. “NEG staff continues to work with each worksite to help facilitate their certification to ensure that there is absolute compliance with federal laws.”
Interested individuals who are unemployed or is a dislocated worker may apply to the NEG program at the Fagatogo Square Building or 633-3360 / 3361 / 3362 or at the Department of Human Resources Personnel office.
Governor Togiola reminds all NEG temporary disaster workers or applicants that every worker is required to complete a background check with the Department of Public Safety and the OTICIDE / Department of Homeland Security.
“You will be hired under good intent until your employment clearances are received,” said Governor Togiola. “If you have a police record and did not disclose this information in your employment application, you will be notified about your termination but will be compensated for work that you have performed.”
Governor Togiola said all worksite employers need to comply with these rulings and do not encourage the temporary worker to go see the Governor or Lieutenant Governor or the Director of Human Resources. There is no right of appeal in these cases.
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