The US president has signed into law, legislation that extends the federal National Park of American Samoa on the islands of Ofu and Olosega.
The measure authorises the Secretary of the Interior to make adjustments to the boundary of the National park.
The territory's member of the US Congress, Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, who introduced the measure in 2001, says the extension will cover 15-hundred acres of land and another 15-hundred acres of surrounding reef areas for purposes of protection.
Faleomavaega says the extension is not just to promote tourism but more importantly, it will enhance the cultural heritage, especially with the discovery of ancient mounds and home sites.
He says the US government plans to pay out about 285-thousand US dollars per year for the expansion.
