Amata Welcomes USDA Development Grant for Aunu’u Households

American Samoa's grant, although part of a large nationwide series of 273 projects in 47 states, was the only one awarded among the island territories.

"I'm happy to congratulate the 12 households in Aunu'u, who will be part of this well-deserved improvement initiative, and thank you especially to DBAS President Ruth Matagi Faatili and the team at the bank for the good work that went into this heartwarming project," said Congresswoman Amata. "Congratulations to Governor Lemanu and Lieutenant Governor Talauega, and thank you to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, and Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres-Small, who announced these projects."

The USDA project description is as follows: This Rural Development investment will be used to help Development Bank of American Samoa (DBAS) to continue the operation of DBAS's homeowner housing rehabilitation program. DBAS aims to assist four low-income and eight very low-income homeowners in Aunu'u, a rural area in the Eastern District of American Samoa. This project will assist low-income and very-low-income homeowners with the ability to rehabilitate and repair their homes and to have safe and healthy living conditions. These projects may include improvements to accommodate family members with special needs, such as the elderly, children, and the disabled, and reconfiguring rooms to alleviate overcrowding. DBAS will work with selected contractors to evaluate projects, determine costs, and execute rehabilitation and repair work.

"USDA invests in rural America because we know a strong community is rooted in its people," Torres Small said in her national announcement.

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