Deb Haaland Secretary at U.S. Department of Interior | Official website
Assistant Secretary Carmen G. Cantor visited American Samoa this week to participate in the 124th anniversary celebration of Flag Day in the territory. The event, which took place on April 17, commemorates American Samoa's history as a U.S. territory.
During her visit, Assistant Secretary Cantor engaged in various activities, including observing performances and parades by local schools and villages, as well as participating in a traditional Ava Ceremony. Additionally, she took the time to visit project sites that had received financial support from the Office of Insular Affairs, such as the American Samoa Community College Multi-Purpose Center and the Boys and Girls Club of American Samoa, which focuses on promoting education and advocacy for the youth in American Samoa regarding ocean and coastal conservation.
One of the significant highlights of Assistant Secretary Cantor's visit was the announcement of $2.5 million in fiscal year 2024 Technical Assistance Program (TAP) grant funds from the Office of Insular Affairs. These funds will be allocated to various projects in American Samoa to support infrastructure development, education, and environmental initiatives.
According to Assistant Secretary Cantor, the TAP grants will be distributed to different government departments and organizations in American Samoa. The awards include funding for projects such as the Physical Addressing System project, the American Samoa Innovation & Technology Campus Infrastructure project, and initiatives related to health, corrections, and environmental health.
In addition to the grants awarded to government entities, the Office of Insular Affairs will also provide funding to semi-autonomous agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and the Department’s Bureau of Reclamation. These funds will support a range of projects, including workforce development programs, cybersecurity initiatives, and capacity building for water treatment projects.
Assistant Secretary Cantor's visit and the allocation of TAP grant funds underscore the ongoing commitment of the Office of Insular Affairs to supporting the development and well-being of the people of American Samoa.
