Pago Pago — Uifa’atali Amata is welcoming a federal funding notice received Tuesday from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) totaling $1,413,520 from the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Act signed into law on December 29, 2022.

The largest of the three grants is a Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) of $1,029,433, along with a HOME program grant of $298,791, and an Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) of $85,296.

“Thank you to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge for notice of these 2023 funds,” said Amata. “Congratulations to Commerce Director Petti T. Matila and others involved in administering these efforts dedicated to improving local housing quality.”

Each fiscal year, Congress appropriates budgeted funds for all federal departments and agencies. This announcement is American Samoa’s portion of $5.57 billion nationwide in CPD’s programs allocated by formula to provide affordable housing, community development and economic opportunity, and housing support to families.

CDBG provides annual grants on a formula basis to states/territories and localities to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low/moderate-income persons.

HOME provides funding to states and localities that communities use in partnership with local nonprofit groups for wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people.

ESG provides funds for the operation of local shelters and related social service and homeless prevention programs.