Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Among the many issues raised by Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga during his recent cabinet meeting is American Samoa’s share of $2.6 million which is part of the $6.5 million settlement between the federal government and StarKist Co. for StarKist Samoa’s violation of environmental laws in territorial waters — mainly in the Pago Pago Harbor.

Spending of the $2.6 million was submitted by the governor as FY 2018 supplement budget, which was approved by the Fono in mid August this year and is already signed into law.

During the cabinet meeting, Lolo said the law provides for the specific projects to be funded with the settlement money. He requested that the scope of work for these projects be submitted to the Governor’s Office as soon as possible so these projects can move forward.

Distribution of the settlement, according to the new law, gives $1.5 million for construction of an extension to the Malaloa dock, a project that the governor said at the cabinet meeting will commence soon.

US Department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs announced in April this year that Port Administration Department was awarded $1.3 million under Capital Improvement Project money for construction costs for this project.

Other projects funded with the settlement are:

•    $400,000 for shipyard environmental compliance;

•    For American Samoa Environmental Projection Agency programs: $220,000 to Water Quality Program; $100,000 to Air Quality Program; $100,000 for Technical Consulting; and $80,00 for Harbor Clean up Program;

•    $120,000 towards environmental equipment — $60,000 each for pesticide residue testing equipment and a scrap metal baler; and

•    $80 for administration costs for proper disbursement of the funds.