Contract for new single-story Fagatogo Marketplace awarded,
work to commence soon
The highly anticipated Pago Pago Harbor Commercial Center set to be constructed at the site of the old Fagatogo Marketplace will feature a new single-story facility funded by a $2.1 million “investment grant” from the US Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) who say the market place will support local marine, agriculture, and tourism industries and expected to create 100 jobs as well as generate $300K in private investment.
Initially, the structure was supposed to feature a two-story building but because the initial plan and grant application were submitted more than five years ago, the cost(s) to build a similar structure today would cost more than it would have, back in 2002.
Earlier this year, the local Department of Commerce conducted a review of the original two-story plan because of concerns with adequate funding. According to Governor Togiola Tulafono, construction of a two-story building would not be affordable, as the associated costs to build the initially proposed two-story building have increased to about $5 million since the original grant application and plans were submitted.
On his weekend radio program, Governor Togiola Tulafono said he accepts the plan for a one-story building, to coincide with the $2.1-million-dollar grant. He explained that a search for additional funding to cover the $5 million in order to stay with the original two-story plan was unsuccessful.
Togiola said that the one-story facility will include a majority of the original plan which included not only a fish market but also small booths for other vendors selling handicrafts and souvenirs. The outer surrounding facilities will be reserved for local farmers selling produce and agricultural products.
In addition, the new marketplace will feature a large restaurant and smaller stalls for food vendors selling lunch plates, pastries, and snacks. Small offices that were to be housed on the second floor of the original plan are included in the new single-story project. The offices are for agriculture-related business and activities and will also be used for training sessions relating to such topics.
Lastly, a new bus depot is included in the new plan, in addition to a special section reserved for dispatching taxi cabs.
Earlier this month on May 9, Fletcher Construction was awarded the contract to build the new marketplace and since then, the company has already conducted an on-site review of the location.
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