Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming notice of federal funding to reconstruct the Aunu’u Wharf through a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant of $2.12 million.

 “The Aunu’u Wharf is a major need since it’s the only access to and from Aunu’u for transportation and supplies,” said Aumua Amata. “I’ve seen firsthand how the sea has battered our aging wharf in Aunu’u, so I’m delighted to pass along this wonderful news. Thank you to everyone who has a part in this important project from paperwork to construction. Congratulations to Port Director Chris King as he leads this much-needed effort for the people of Aunu’u.”

This discretionary grant, under 2022 appropriations by Congress, is a U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) FY22 Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) award of $2,120,000, designated to the ASG Department of Port Administration, led by Director Christopher J. King, under the administration of Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga and Lt. Gov. Talauega E.V. Ale.

The project will reconstruct the Aunu’u Wharf, the sole access point in and out of Aunu’u Island in American Samoa. This includes reconstruction of the existing wharf; structural repairs to the existing pilings; construction of a new 80-foot-long extension to the wharf; repairing and upgrading the ramp structure; dredging excess material surrounding the wharf; and installing a new fendering system, bollards (sturdy posts), and cleats for docking and anchoring.

MARAD, led by Administrator Rear Admiral Ann Phillips, US Navy (Ret.), is an agency of the DOT, led by Secretary Pete Buttigieg. MARAD is responsible for America's waterborne transportation system, especially supporting the technical aspects of America's maritime transportation infrastructure, along with support for future and current mariners.