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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Wednesday, February 13, 2008)
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Lt. Gov. Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia dedicates Vatia Bay Shoreline Protection
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(UTULEI) – Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia today dedicated the completion of the Shoreline Protection Project in Vatia.
The $1.4 million project, funded by the Federal Highway Administration, is a 1,000 foot seawall constructed of concrete armor units, and for the very first time, shaped like cheese wheels, and now known as “Samoan Stone.”
Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi expressed his sincere gratitude to the village of Vatia for their patience in the 17 month project.
“On behalf of Governor Togiola Tulafono, who is recuperating well in Honolulu, I wish to say that the dedication of the Vatia Bay Shoreline Protection project today is the fulfillment of another part of the commitment that this administration has made to the people of American Samoa to provide safe and adequate shoreline protection to prevent road erosion due to high waves,” said Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi. “I want to thank the village of Vatia for waiting a year and a half for completion of this project.”
Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi also offered his sincere appreciation to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.
“I would also like to thank U.S. DOT and FHwA for the positive support that they continue to provide the Territory in these much-needed projects. We greatly appreciate the assistance in securing funds that has made this shoreline protection project a reality,” said Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi. “And I would like to acknowledge and commend the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Public Works, who continue to work diligently to meet the many development goals of this administration, which includes the commitment to improve infrastructure in American Samoa.”
The contractor, McConnell Dowell-American Samoa Ltd, was awarded the $1,419,471 project on August 11, 2006. The design was prepared by architect-engineer firms M & E Pacific, Inc. and Sea Engineering, Inc., under contract to the Army Corps of Engineers and the DPW – Civil Highway Division.
Mrs. Elisapeta Sunia, wife of Lieutenant Governor Ipulasi, had the honor of cutting the ribbon at the ceremony.
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