americansamoa.gov

Pago Pago, American Samoa —Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Lieutenant Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. thank the U.S. Department of Education for restoring access to the ARPA Education funds.

This decision allows the American Samoa Government to resume submitting eligible funding requests under the process used before the Department’s March 28 rescission. This action ensures that American Samoa can continue using its federal education funds, especially those from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), to support students, schools, and COVID-19 recovery efforts.

In addition to restoring access, the Department has exercised its authority under 2 CFR § 200.344(c) to grant an extension of up to 14 months—through March 2026—to liquidate properly obligated ARPA funds. This extension gives the American Samoa Government and other grantees additional time to complete payment for approved projects and services already in progress.

The American Samoa Government will continue to work closely with the U.S. Department of Education to ensure these funds are used properly and effectively to meet the needs of students and educators across the Territory.

The American Samoa Government would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the American Samoa Department of Education, local ARPA office, Office of Procurement, the Attorney General’s Office, and all other departments who have offered their assistance while navigating through the changes. We will continue to provide updates as the Territory moves forward in implementing these essential education initiatives.