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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Wednesday, October 3, 2007)
Contact: click here to email newsroom
(684) 633-4116 - Fax: (684) 633-2269 - Cell: (684) 731-8989
Gov. Togiola and FAA sign agreement
for airport tower funding
(UTULEI) – Governor Togiola Tulafono announced this week that the American Samoa Government will receive $1.984 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to construct an air traffic control tower at Pago Pago International Airport.
Governor Togiola said the FAA, through the Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) executed as of Monday, October 1st, will give American Samoa $1,984,000 for the design, siting, engineering and construction of a non-federal contract tower.
Also funded through OTA will be equipment and installation of tower instruments and training and development for personnel that will man the tower. American Samoa Government (ASG) will be responsible for all of these costs, utilizing the funds from FAA.
FAA has agreed to provide maintenance for a nominal charge. This will apply to all tower instruments, and has an estimated cost of $50,000.
“I am very thankful to FAA, through the assistance of our Congressman, for their assistance in extending maintenance service to American Samoa,” said Governor Togiola. “Through this savings, ASG hopes to free up that specific money to help with other portions of the project.”
Governor Togiola said FAA has also agreed to conduct a Benefit to Cost (B/C) analysis immediately after the construction and equipping of the tower, in order to determine whether Pago Pago International Airport qualifies for resumption of FAA tower services.
“It was imperative for us to include a benefit-to-cost analysis in the OTA. As of right now, FAA will not provide services because it is not cost beneficial. However, if the numbers of travelers and flights go up during the period of construction, enough to change the B/C ratio, then we will immediately move the FAA to resume their services to Pago Pago International Airport,” said Governor Togiola.
Governor Togiola said it has been ASG’s position from the very beginning that FAA should be responsible for the air traffic that comes into and out of Pago Pago International Airport.
“As soon as the flight touches down on the runway, we bear the responsibility. The OTA presents a major change to this dynamic. However, we are hopeful that with the fruition of our economic development initiatives that are being pursued and implemented, and other positive developments in our private sector and government, American Samoa’s air traffic will meet, within the next few years, the minimum balance that would require FAA to resume their services, as provided in the past,” said Governor Togiola.
Governor Togiola said ASG is very thankful that the agreement has been reached.
“We appreciate the efforts of the FAA, especially Mr. Robert Valdes, Mr. Kevin Stewart, Ms. Deborah Johnson and Mr. Bill Withycombe. We also appreciate the assistance of Congressman Faleomavaega and his office for their input and support,” said Governor Togiola. “I look forward to working with FAA to carry out the objects of the OTA and for making American Samoa’s air traffic safer for American Samoa and our residents.”
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