Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A significant increase in the number of employees for the Department of Port Administration was outlined in its proposed budget for the new fiscal year 2023.

The budget proposal book was submitted to the Legislature with hearings scheduled for next month.

According to the budget, in FY 2021, there were 84 positions at Port, then it decreased to 82 however in the new fiscal year there are 97 proposed positions.

The Department of Port Administration is divided into three major operations, Seaport Division, Airport Division, and Security and Safety Division. These divisions ensure accountability and stability for its major operations and their services to the public. The objective is to ensure security, transparency, and redundancy in moving forward.

These are the subdivisions that create the foundation and backbone of the organization. 

Under the appropriate fund accounts, the total budget proposed for new Fiscal Year is $3.24 million, the previous year was $3.14 million and in 2021 it was $2.88 million.

A total of $687,000 is allocated for the Director’s office; $509,000 for engineer/grants and maintenance and $2.04 million for pier sections.

The budget says in 2021 $3.46 million was collected and $1.4 in 2022 but the Department projects that $4.2 million will be collected in the new financial year.

Under Actual expenditures, for personnel services, materials/supplies contractual services, travel, equipment and all others in 2021 $672,369; 2022 $759,000. For the proposed budget the Department anticipates a top spend of $687,000.

In the new fiscal year, the Department will spend a little over half a million or $520,5000.

According the Department’s website, most cargo handled through the Port of Pago Pago is containerized.

 “Although some break bulk cargo is handled; it is minimal and has little effect on the basic operation or the allocation of space within the port area." The primary cargo is export-canned tuna from the cannery (the largest industry and private sector employer in American Samoa) and materials and empty containers consigned to the cannery. The cannery produces approximately 1,050 TEU’s (twenty foot equivalent units of containerized cargo) of canned tuna per month. Other container traffic consists of consumer goods for the general population.

In addition to cargo activities, support facilities are provided for the fleet of purse seine boats supplying the canneries.

 “These boats require berthing and apron space for re-provisioning and limited vessel repairs.

 “An area is provided where nets may be repaired. The fishing fleet is required to support the canneries and at the same time contribute to the economy of the community.”