29 Nov 2018

Lolo seeks funding to ensure new Fono is up to code

9:56 am on 29 November 2018

American Samoa's governor wants additional funding to make the new parliament, or Fono, compliant with US building regulations.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has said that because the new building will be located in a flood zone, it must meet local and federal regulations which include a requirement for it to be elevated.

The American Samoa Legislature Fono building in Fagatogo

The existing American Samoa Legislature Fono building in Fagatogo. Photo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

FEMA has warned that proceeding with the current construction plan could jeopardise federal disaster assistance for American Samoa in the future.

However, Lolo has told his cabinet that the government is working with the agency and the architect on the building plans.

Lolo said he was adamant that no rules would be broken in its construction, although he doubted extra funding would be forthcoming.

"We ask if they recommend changes, provide funds so that we can go ahead and make the changes. But it appears like that is not going to be the case," he said.

"They like to make changes and hopefully they will help us find funds too to make those changes but if they don't we will just continue to build."

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