Amata Highlights Grant Supporting ASCC Nurses

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is highlighting a Department of the Interior grant of $3,264 for the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) to offset costs for the Nursing Program, as requested earlier this month by Governor Pulaalil'i Nikolao Pula.

"I appreciate each federal notice of a grant, large or small, every single dollar that supports our people, and in this case, supports our educational goals for our aspiring nurses at ASCC. This nurses program has so much potential for our future, both in creating health care careers and improving access to health care for patients," said Congresswoman Amata. "Congratulations to Governor Pula and good work to those putting in the detail work under his direction to ensure American Samoa receives what the territory is due under the formulas from the various bills that Congress passes. In this instance the funds are based on corrected estimates to the U.S. Census."

"For the past several years, Congress at my request has instructed each year that $3 million of the $28 million DOI Operations fund for American Samoa be directed to ASCC, which could directly or indirectly enhance facilities, equipment, student opportunities, maintenance, salaries, scholarships, or other needs and priorities," concluded Congresswoman Amata. "That leaves $25 million of the Operations fund for the territory's general yearly use, which is in itself more than the $22 and a half million total when Congress at my request began the first of six increases for the Operations fund in fiscal year 2018."

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