Amata Welcomes $800,000 EPA Grant to Strengthen Stormwater Management in American Samoa

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is welcoming an announcement from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that the American Samoa Government's Department of Public Works (DPW) has been awarded an $800,000 federal grant through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant Program.

The federal award, made under Section 221 of the Clean Water Act, will support the development of American Samoa's first comprehensive territory-wide stormwater asset inventory, geographic information system (GIS) mapping system, condition assessment framework, and capital planning process. The project will strengthen DPW's capacity to make data-driven infrastructure decisions and improve long-term stormwater management and resilience across the territory.

"These funds will help strengthen American Samoa's infrastructure while protecting public health and improving water quality," said Congresswoman Amata. "A comprehensive approach to stormwater management will provide the Department of Public Works with better tools to identify needs, prioritize investments, and plan for the future. I appreciate the American Samoa Government's Department of Public Works for its work on this important project and thank the Environmental Protection Agency for supporting this investment in our territory."

The grant will support contractors working with DPW to develop the territory-wide stormwater asset inventory and GIS mapping system, assess existing infrastructure, establish capital planning and prioritization processes, and provide training to critical staff. Funding will also support the implementation of low-impact design best management practices at 25 priority coastal outfall sites.

The project is expected to produce a comprehensive stormwater asset inventory covering Tutuila, Aunu'u, and the Manu'a Islands, as well as a condition assessment and risk-ranked asset list, an inventory of nuisance flooding, and bilingual community education materials. The project will also establish a 10-year capital cost forecast, identify potential federal funding opportunities, and develop grant-ready infrastructure projects to support future investment.

"This grant will provide lasting benefits by building local capacity to manage stormwater and plan for critical infrastructure needs," concluded Congresswoman Amata. "I look forward to seeing this investment benefit communities across American Samoa and contribute to cleaner waterways, stronger infrastructure, and greater resilience for residents throughout the territory."

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