The U.S. Department of Interior is supporting American Samoa's efforts to link to an undersea fibre optic cable to assist in economic development.
The agency's proposed budget for fiscal year 2008, which begins in October this year, includes $3 million to help the U.S. territory develop an undersea fibre-optic cable link.
Interior's deputy assistant secretary for Insular Areas, David Cohen says the development of a fibre-optic cable link for American Samoa is an important component in the governor's efforts to develop and diversify the economy.
He says Interior wants to help American Samoa to acquire the tools it needs to build a stronger economy that provides more opportunity for the people.
Governor Togiola Tulafono hopes to the cable link will be established later this year or early 2008.
