Welcome to American Samoa
American Samoa’s Stimulus Funding
Submitted by newton on Fri, 01/29/2010 - 12:45
American Samoa’s Stimulus Funding
American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)
The funding levels presented in this table are preliminary estimates based on currently available data. Funding levels based on new data may result in significant changes from these preliminary estimates. For informational purposes only, the data here do not necessarily constitute any binding agreement on behalf of the various Federal departments and other agencies.
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Programs/Categories |
Grantees |
Projected $$ |
Released |
|
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program |
DHSS |
$964,000 |
$964,000 |
|
Justice Assistance Grant |
CJPA |
$3,331,575 |
$3,331,575 |
|
Violence Against Women Programs |
CJPA |
$700,783 |
|
|
Victims of Crimes Program |
CJPA |
$204,000 |
$204,000 |
|
State Energy Program |
TEO |
$18,550,000 |
$1,855,000 |
|
Weatherization Assistance Program |
TEO |
$719,511 |
$71,951 |
|
Energy Efficiency/Conservation Block Grant |
TEO |
$9,593,500 |
|
|
Safe Drinking Water & Clean Water Funds |
ASPA |
$3,983,000 |
$3,983,000 |
|
WIA Youth Activities |
DHR |
$170,030 |
$170,030 |
|
WIA Adult Activities |
DHR |
$75,000 |
$75,000 |
|
WIA Dislocated Workers Activities |
DHR |
$217,500 |
$217,500 |
|
Tafuna Community Health Center Grant |
DOH |
$1,773,050 |
$1,773,050 |
|
Medicaid & Prescription Drug Program Funding |
LBJ |
$2,773,161 |
$2,773,161 |
|
Community Development Block Grant |
DOC |
$963,516 |
|
|
Homeless Prevention/Emergency Shelter Grant |
DYWA |
$412,935 |
|
|
Highway Infrastructure Funds (FHwA) |
DPW |
$4,500,000 |
|
|
ESEA, Title I Grants to LEAs |
DOE |
$7,026,782 |
$3,513,391 |
|
IDEA, Part B Grants to States |
DOE |
$230,169 |
$115,085 |
|
IDEA, Part C Grants to Infants and Families |
DOH |
$21,277 |
$10,639 |
|
Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants |
DOE |
$204,598 |
$102,299 |
|
Independent Living |
DOE |
$22,523 |
$22,523 |
|
Educational Technology State Grants |
DOE |
$824,848 |
|
|
State Fiscal Stabilization Fund |
GO |
$44,618,528 |
|
|
AIP–Fitiuta ARFF Bldg. (Construction)-Phase IV |
Port Adm. |
$1,500,000 |
$1,500,000 |
|
AIP-PPG Immigration/AVSEC II-Dep. Area Up. |
Port Adm. |
$1,500,000 |
$1,500,000 |
|
Transit Capital Grant |
DPW |
$341,099 |
|
|
Sr. Community Service Employment Program |
TAOA |
$269,887 |
$269,887 |
|
Senior Nutrition Programs |
TAOA |
$60,625 |
$60,625 |
|
Pell Grants |
ASCC (stu.) |
$7,100,000 |
$7,100,000 |
|
Child Care & Development Funds |
DHSS |
$2,662,774 |
|
|
Community Services Block Grant |
DOC |
$1,299,836 |
|
|
ARRA Section 317 Immunization Funding |
DOH |
$385,000 |
|
|
State Arts Council |
Arts Council |
$25,000 |
$25,000 |
|
State Advisory Council on Early Childhood |
GO |
$500,000 |
|
|
IRS, U.S. Treasury |
Treasury |
$17,200,000 (est.) |
|
|
CHC Funding for Capital Improvements |
DOH |
$773,355 |
$773,355 |
|
TOTALS |
|
$135,497,862 |
$30,411,071 |
N.B.–As of 7/01/09, the above figures are not all- inclusive; They do not include other grant programs (such as Early Head Start/Head Start, etal.), foundations of growth funding such as broadband deployment and Health Information Technology (HIT), other competitive ARRA funding of over $85 billion, and some 8 types of ARRA bonds and concomitant financing benefits, and much of the Federal tax credits or other ARRA-related beneficial changes in the Federal tax laws.
Project Funding Applications |
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Project Title |
Source |
Funding |
Status |
|
Construction for ARFF in Fitiuta |
ASG Port Admin |
1,500,000 |
Approved for Funding |
|
Upgrade of Terminal at Pago Pago International Airport |
ASG Port Admin |
1,850,000 |
Approved for Funding |
|
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Formula Grants |
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Project Title |
Department |
Allotments |
Status |
|
Workforce Investment Act |
Department of Labor |
Youth Activities: $170.030.00 Adult Activities: $75,000.00 Dislocated Worker Activities: $217,500.00 |
Available March 19, 2009 |
| American Samoa Nutrition Assistance Program (ASNAP) | USDA | $964,000 | Available: April 1, 2009 |
|
NOTE: Formula Grant Reports are due 10 days after end of each quarter, starting with quarter ending June 30, 2009. |
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CHAIRMAN'S CORNER
Submitted by newton on Fri, 01/29/2010 - 13:30
Attached you’ll find a list of award summaries by state.
CHAIRMAN'S CORNER
Do you want to know how much money under the Recovery program has been spent thus far in your community or in your state? What contractors are benefitting, and where they are located? How many jobs have been created nationally or in your state? Well, you have come to the right place. Today, Oct. 30, marks a landmark in accountability and transparency in the federal government. On this website, the Recovery Board and its professional staff and contractors have created new features that will allow you to answer those questions and many others about spending in the Recovery program.
I’ve often said that Recovery.gov is a work in progress and will only get better as we continue pressing to develop a premier government website. Quite frankly, we are listening to our users, and are making changes and adding new features as fast as we can.
First, a little background: In mid-October, we posted data from companies and other recipients that received direct contracts from the federal government. But those award reports represented less than 7 percent of the reports ultimately submitted by recipients of Recovery funds. Today, we are updating Recovery.gov with another 121,000 reports—almost all covering grants to prime and sub-recipients, such as states, non-profits and universities. The next quarterly reporting period for recipients begins Jan. 1, 2010.
The new features:
- A dynamic search capability. Put in the name of a recipient in the search engine, click on “go,’’ and every report that contains that recipient’s name (prime contractor subcontract) will be listed for review, as well as other information about the recipient on the website. Or, just type in the name of a federal agency and get a list of all of its recipients. That’s just two of the many new search capabilities.
- State and territory summary pages. With this feature, you will be able to locate precisely how many contract, grant, and loan recipient awards have been made in your state. You can view the jobs created and the total value of the awards. Your state search will yield information on jobs created in congressional districts, the top recipients of Recovery funds, the top infrastructure recipients and so on. All told, there are more than 500 new charts and tables for jobs and award data.
- For those who want flexibility in accessing data, we’ve created two new formats in our Download Center. Up to now, we have provided only the CSV format. Now, you can access files containing recipient contracts, grants and loan data in XML and XLS formats.
- As part of our commitment to greater accountability, we are providing a new feature allowing users to download a list of recipients that failed to submit reports on time, as required by the Recovery Act. In addition, users can download files containing the history of any changes made by recipients in their reports after Oct. 10.
I could go on, but you get the picture. Let us know what you think. We need, and value, your feedback.
Nancy K. DiPaolo
Asst. Director, Congressional & Intergovernmental Affairs
Recovery Accountability & Transparency Board
(o) 202.254.7954
(c) 202.870.8220
Accountability and Transparency
Submitted by newton on Thu, 02/11/2010 - 13:06
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Accountability & Transparency Transparency and accountability are important and have been built into the process. This website is an important tool in that effort and is designed to help citizens understand how ARRA money is being used in American Samoa. Additionally, the federal Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board has established www.recovery.gov , which offers unprecedented detail on federal spending. Recipients of ARRA funds are required to file quarterly reports on a federal portal.
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Our Mission
Submitted by newton on Thu, 02/11/2010 - 13:20
Our MissionTo provide oversight, transparency and accountability for ARRA funds and to ensure these funds are spent swiftly and effectively on prudent projects to stimulate American Samoa’s economy and provide economic relief to the needy.
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About the ARRA
Submitted by newton on Thu, 02/11/2010 - 13:32
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About the ARRA The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) is a major investment in the Territory of American Samoa, the only inhabited U.S. soil south of the equator. The following links offer more information about this important legislation.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Submitted by newton on Thu, 02/11/2010 - 13:42
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act?
A: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) became law on February 17, 2009. Congress and President Obama have decided to commit $787 billion in spending and tax relief in hopes of stimulating the economy and creating jobs. Much of that money will flow through state and territorial governments.
Q: How much money is the Territory of American Samoa expected to receive from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)?
A: Although the precise amount American Samoa will receive is unknown, it is estimated that American Samoa will receive upwards of $160 million or more in ARRA funds. The Territory could receive millions in federal competitive grant awards for renewable energy, technology, broadband, education reform, roads and other infrastructure. Also, American Samoa will receive tens of millions in tax relief and additional bond and loan authority to assist businesses and public sector projects.
Q: How will the money be used?
A: The funding is intended to save and create jobs, help working families weather the economic storm, stimulate economic growth as quickly as possible, and begin making major investments for the future.
The ARRA provides funds and other benefits that will:
A preliminary estimate of the formula driven portion of American Samoa’s ARRA fund receipts is as follows:
American Samoa hopes to receive additional competitive grant monies and bond financing as well.
Q: Why are these estimates? Why aren’t the precise amounts known?
A: Federal agencies are still developing the rules for how the money will be disbursed; Ergo, the exact amounts are subject to change. However, most of the formula grant dollars are for existing programs, so approximate projections can be based on past allocations.
Q: Who decides how the money will be spent?
A: Congress and the President decided how the vast majority of the money is to be spent when they crafted the law. Thus, the money virtually guaranteed to come to American Samoa will come through federally-mandated formulas which include direct payments to individuals, territorial budget deficit reduction, or through programs administered by local public agencies. For example, more than $50 million will flow to public educational institutions to help schools at all levels during the economic downturn.
In addition, other funding is available through a federal competitive bidding process where residents of the Territory can compete with others across America for a wide range of initiatives.
Q: How does the money flow from Washington?
A: Twenty-eight federal agencies have been awarded a part of the $787 billion stimulus package. Often, state/territorial agencies must apply in a timely manner to a federal agency for the money they are entitled to. If the application is approved, the money is awarded to a public agency by a federal agency. Public agencies then distribute the money based on an approved ARRA plan. The American Samoa Economic Stimulus & Recovery Office (ASESRO) oversees each step by public agencies to ensure that territorial and federal laws are strictly complied with and that procedures previously circulated by the ASESRO are adhered to. This office is responsible for ensuring fairness, prudence, transparency and accountability. These procedures form the basis for future audit and compliance actions.
Q: How did territorial agencies determine ARRA spending plans?
A: Funding was made available to American Samoa agencies through existing programs and, thus, to the extent they were able to do so, agencies applied the new ARRA funds to an existing backlog of shovel-ready projects previously proposed by local agencies and other qualified applicants. Other agencies provided a formula specifying how funds are to be spent, such as nutrition benefits.
Q: How will American Samoa’s ARRA spending be made transparent?
A: Despite the fact that there are still many details regarding the ARRA yet to be worked out, the U. S. Government has made it clear it will demand stringent reporting requirements from funding recipients, including state and territorial governments. All awards, expenditures, contracts, vendors, and other activities and entities funded by ARRA will be posted on the ASESRO website.
Q: What does the term “shovel ready” mean?
A: Infrastructure projects which are “shovel ready” are those that have already been completely designed by architects and engineers, undergone the necessary environmental reviews, and received permits and other necessary government authorizations such that they are ready to be put out for construction bid. Initially, there was a focus on shovel ready projects for infrastructure because the goal was to generate economic activity as swiftly as possible.
Q: Can my organization still apply for ARRA money?
A: The bulk of the stimulus package has extremely prescriptive regulations on how it can be spent. Whether money is available for new initiatives depends on the type of program. For example, road and other transportation projects not already in the works are very unlikely to receive funding. New ideas in other areas may be proposed, but applicants shouldn’t set their hopes too high. To learn about a potential project online, please click here. Kindly note that evaluation of these projects is not presently occurring. Only information is being gathered.
Small businesses, local governments and other entities may qualify for one of the competitive grant programs funded by the federal stimulus package. Eligibility requirements and application due dates vary. For more information regarding competitive grants, click here. For a list of competitive grant funding opportunities, click here.
Q: What does the American Samoa Economic Stimulus & Recovery Office (ASESRO) actually do?
A: The ASESRO is responsible for:
Q: Who created the ASESRO?
A: Governor Togiola Tulafono created the ASESRO by Executive Order 003-2009 on March 6, 2009. Click here to see the executive order establishing the ASESRO.
Q: Will the public have a say in how the ARRA funding is spent?
A: Local public agencies were required to address public input and collaboration with other public agencies and private entities in their strategic plans for how to spend ARRA funds. The ARRA specifically designates how and where the ARRA funds are allocated. Some of these allocations go directly to individuals by federal law. Other allocations subsequently require legislative appropriations and the legislative process is open to public participation. To the extent that public agencies receive ARRA funds to supplement programs they already administer, these agencies have existing procedures required by law that allow or require public input during the evaluation of projects to be funded.
The ASESRO has reached out to entities such as the Fono, the High Court of American Samoa, the Attorney General’s Office, the American Samoa Power Authority, the American Samoa Telecommunications Authority, the L.B.J. Tropical Medical Authority, the Territorial Energy Office, internet service providers, trade groups, nonprofit organizations, the American Samoa Community College, the American Samoa Department of Education, Port Administration, the Department of Human & Social Services, the Department of Health, the Development Bank of American Samoa, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Public Works, the Veterans’ Clinic, the commercial banks, and other organizations; and, has accepted numerous speaking engagements and media interviews to spread the word regarding opportunities available under the ARRA.
Q: Who will make sure that the funding is being spent appropriately?
A: ARRA expenditures will be scrutinized as no other federal program ever has been. Congress included extensive provisions for federal oversight, reviews and audits, to be coordinated by a new federal agency: the Recovery Accountability and Transparency Board (RATB). This is in addition to other federal oversight, including the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and auditors from each federal agency.
At the local level, American Samoa already has a rigorous budget, procurement, and payment system in place. Additionally, the ASESRO has been specifically charged by Governor Togiola with the responsibility of addressing full compliance and high performance. To these aims, the ASESRO has several compliance officers charged to help territorial entities augment their federal compliance programs to assure federal stimulus requirements are met.
In addition, the ASESRO website allows the general public to report any allegations of suspected fraud, waste or abuse to either the ASESRO or to the federal government.
For specific Section 1512 funds, the ARRA requires that for every program funded under this specific section, states and territories must report to the federal government how much money was received, how much was spent, what the money was used for, how the funds were distributed, and the number of jobs that were saved or created. This reporting effort is coordinated by the ASESRO. These reports are reviewed by each respective federal funding agency and are available via this website.
Other ARRA funds that fall outside of Section 1512 reporting requirements are subject to rigorous reporting as well.
Q: Can my organization still apply for ARRA money?
A: The bulk of the stimulus package has extremely prescriptive regulations on how it can be spent. Whether money is available for new initiatives depends on the type of program. For example, road and other transportation projects not already in the works are very unlikely to receive funding. New ideas in other areas may be proposed, but applicants shouldn’t set their hopes too high. To learn about a potential project online, please click here. Kindly note that evaluation of these projects is not presently occurring. Only information is being gathered.
Small businesses, local governments and other entities may qualify for one of the competitive grant programs funded by the federal stimulus package. Eligibility requirements and application due dates vary. For more information regarding competitive grants, click here. For a list of competitive grant funding opportunities, click here.
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ARRA Homepage
Submitted by newton on Thu, 02/11/2010 - 13:52
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AMERICAN SAMOA
Economic Stimulus & Recovery Office (ASESRO) |
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Synopsis The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) is providing an invaluable infusion of tens of millions of dollars into the economy of American Samoa. Governor Togiola T. A. Tulafono is at the forefront of dynamic efforts to save and create jobs, keep essential public services flowing, and build the infrastructure for a revitalized economy by making greater and more effective use of technology, efficient and renewable energy, and an improved public school system at all levels.
American Samoans will benefit from more than $160 million in ARRA awards; at least $17 million in tax relief and one-time economic payments flowing directly to individuals; and $30+ million in additional bonding authority to provide for school construction and other economic boosts.
In addition, several applications are pending with federal agencies that could result in millions – perhaps even tens of millions - of additional ARRA funds for efficient and renewable energy, broadband projects, increased technology funding, major infrastructure construction, and education reform.
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A Message from Governor Togiola T.A. Tulafono
 Welcome to American Samoa’s window on implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment ActTalofa! The ARRA signed by President Obama on February 17, 2009 has sent unprecedented amounts of funding to states and territories designed to stimulate the economy and to help those states/territories with severe budget crises. Although these are difficult times, we are holding our own by maintaining vital services and taking vigorous measures to stabilize our economy despite the recent closure of one of our tuna canneries.
My direction to our team has been unequivocal: jobs, prudence, transparency, and value sustainability. We will use these precious ARRA dollars to put our people to work…to better educate and train our populace…to strengthen our economy…to enhance the quality of life. We will use stimulus funding carefully, making sure to protect education and other services in the years beyond the one-time ARRA funding. And we will strive to use them to create assets of enduring value: roads, buildings, and other infrastructure, but also better prepared teachers, more energy efficient homes and offices, and so on. This website is maintained to keep all fully informed about uses of federal stimulus funds. You are invited to visit it regularly. |
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Letters and Certificates/Assurances
Submitted by newton on Fri, 02/19/2010 - 16:25
Letters and Certificates/Assurances
Enumerated below are Governor Togiola’s (or his representative’s) letters to federal officials and agency certification/assurance letters required by the federal government in order to receive federal stimulus funding.
- Section 1607 Certification Letter – March 7, 2009
- Section 1201 Original Maintenance of Effort Certification Letter – March 19, 2009
- Governor Togiola’s Assurance Letter to U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu – March 20, 2009
- Section 1511 Certification Letter – April 7, 2009
- Section 1201 Amended Maintenance of Effort Certification Letter – May 26, 2009
Competitive Grants
Submitted by newton on Tue, 02/23/2010 - 09:38
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Competitive Grants: Overview
There are billions of additional ARRA dollars available to states and territories through a competitive grant process provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The ASESRO is working with community service organizations, commercial firms, non-profits, the semi-autonomous public entities, and American Samoa Government agencies to ensure that American Samoa is competing for as many of these grants as possible and that the proposals submitted are worthy and of high quality.
Competitive Grants: Applications Now Open
Applications are now available for a wide range of competitive grants made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The "Competitive Grant Funding Opportunities" segment below will serve as a one-stop resource for small businesses, ASG agencies, and other entities seeking to apply for competitive grants administered by the federal government. Information regarding specific competitive grants will be added as details are made available by the federal government.
Competitive Grant Funding Opportunities
Applications are now available for a wide range of competitive grants made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This page will serve as a one-stop resource for small businesses, ASG agencies, and other entities seeking competitive grants administered by the federal government. Follow the links below for more information including: grant overviews, eligible recipients, application due dates and how to apply.
Additional competitive grants will be added to the list as details are made available by the federal government. This page will be updated frequently, so check it frequently.
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Grant Name
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Managing Agency
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Due Date
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National Institutes of Health administrative supplements providing summer research experiences for students and science educators. Funding Opportunity Number: NOT-OD-09-060 CFDA Program No.(s): 93.701 -- Trans-NIH Recovery Act Research Support 93.702 -- NCRR Recovery Act Construction Support Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
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TBD
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Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction
Funding Opportunity Number: FTA-09005-TIGGER-TRI |
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TBD
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Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Broadband
Initiatives Program (BIP) (LOAN)
CFDA Program No.
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March 15, 2010
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National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) – Broadband Technology
Opportunities Program (BTOP) (GRANT)
CFDA Program No. 11.557
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March 15, 2010
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Economic Development Administration Recovery Act Funding
CFDA Program Nos. 11.300; 11.307 |
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June 30, 2010
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Assisted Housing Stability and Energy and Green Retrofit
CFDA Program No. 14.318 |
February 16, 2011
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