21 Sep 2016

American Samoa $280m budget approved

10:40 am on 21 September 2016

American Samoa's Senate and House have approved the 2017 government budget worth more than $US280 million.

Pago Pago, American Samoa. Camel Rock near the village of Lauli'i.

Pago Pago, American Samoa. Camel Rock near the village of Lauli'i. Photo: Copyright: sorincolac / 123RF Stock Photo

The final budget is two million dollars higher than the amount Governor Lolo Moliga originally proposed last month.

The increase is the amount that the administration is putting up as a local match for $7.7 million in grant money from the US Department of Transportation for relocation of fuel tanks and other improvements at the airport.

Included in the budget is one million dollars for payouts for cabinet members and Governor's staff who are political appointees.

The new government fiscal year begins October 1st.

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