Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The design and feasibility study phase for the aerial tramway project, now known as the Pago Pago Sky Tram, is finally underway, says the Department of Commerce.

Director Petti Matila says that it has been a long time coming, and the American Samoa Department of Commerce will be working closely with the SE Group out of Colorado to revive one of American Samoa’s iconic tourism attractions.

“After its initial construction in 1965 to support the Education TV program, the tramway transitioned into a tourism attraction and was ultimately damaged beyond repair in 1992 by Hurricane Val. Since that time, the redevelopment of the tramway has seen little progress.

“The tramway project also plays a key role in the territory’s telecommunications and emergency response readiness. Access to the transmitters atop Mt. Alava for maintenance has been restricted to traversing the nearly un-passable dirt road.”

The statement says that installing a new tramway system would play a key role in the territory’s long-term resilience.

The SE Group has extensive experience in the planning and assessment of Aerial Ropeway Systems in a multitude of applications.

“In addition to our comprehensive experience with the planning and development of lift systems at mountain resorts and ski areas, each of our team members, collectively and individually, have conducted numerous feasibility assessments for transportation and tourism applications,” stated Kent Sharp, President of SE Group.

AS-DOC received a federal grant award in early 2022 from the Economic Development Administration to conduct a design and feasibility phase for the Pago Pago Sky Tram.