Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Gov. Lemanu P. S. Mauga, through a Mar. 07 memorandum, created the nine-member ‘Steering and Construction Management Committee’ to move the new hospital construction project forward more efficiently.

As previously reported by Samoa News, the Health Department now leads this project, the 40-bed facility to be constructed in Tafuna, instead of LBJ Medical Center. And funding for the project comes from American Samoa’s share of the federal America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

In his memo to cabinet members, the governor noted that ARPA has provided tremendous resources for American Samoa to respond to the hardships created or exacerbated by the COVID-1 9 pandemic.

He pointed out that one issue of critical importance is the need for expanded healthcare capacity to improve the health of the people of American Samoa.

Furthermore, renovating LBJ Tropical Medical Center and building a new hospital in Tafuna have been the priority use for the funds received through ARPA.

“While progress continues to be made on the new medical facility, time is of the essence as ARPA expenditure deadlines are quickly approaching,” he said.

“In order to streamline efforts and move the project forward more efficiently,” the governor created a committee within the Office of the Governor that “will be responsible for overseeing the new medical facility construction.”

This "Steering and Construction Management Committee" (SCM Committee) will use their expertise in their respective fields to ensure plans are well-defined, progress is being made, local and federal laws are complied with, and necessary resources are allocated appropriately and effectively, according to the memo.

The committee is chair by Health director Motusa Tuileama Nua, and members are LBJ acting CEO Dr. Akapusi Ledua, Public Works director Faleosina Voigt, Medicaid Office director Sandra King Young, ASG’s ARPA Oversight Office executive director Keith Gebauer, Governor’s Chief of Staff Loa Tauapai Laupola, Commerce director Petti T. Matila, Office of Disaster and Petroleum Management director Lisa Tuato'o and Attorney General Fainu'ulelei Falefatu Alailima-Utu.

According to the governor, these appointments are made for the incumbents in the respective positions and are not specific to the named individuals.

Lemanu also outlined in the memo the committee’s responsibilities:

•           Designate a point of contact to work directly with the Architectural and Engineering (A&E) firm and subsequent contractors;

•           Designate the proper communication frequency between the Committee and the A&E firm and contractors to ensure adequate progress;

•           Assume the role of sub-recipient for the management of this project, including fulfilling reporting and compliance requirements;

•           Review and revise project budgets, as necessary;

•           Oversee hiring necessary for project management in accordance with Human Resources laws and regulations;

•           Oversee necessary procurement actions in accordance with ASG Procurement laws and regulations; and

•           Comply with all ARPA Oversight Office requirements and policies.

The governor said the committee chairman, shall be responsible for setting the meeting times and agendas. To the extent practicable, meeting attendance should be in-person, although remote attendance by members is permitted as necessary.

“Decision making by the Committee is expected to be conducted through discussion and consensus with a simple majority of a quorum of members being required for passage of a motion,” Lemanu explained. “A quorum in this instance will be five members.”

“Given the time constraints for the project, in the event decisions cannot be arrived at, the Committee must forward any issue in need of determination to the Governor for a final decision,” Lemanu said.

In conclusion, the governor said, the Committee will exist until further notice and is solely dedicated to the furtherance and completion of the New Hospital Facility Project.

And he requested all ASG agencies cooperation and support of the committee’s work.