The American Samoa Government has promised to subsidise Pago Pago International Airport with $US2.5 million a year.
Ofu and Olosega in the Manu'as in American Samoa. Photo: American Samoa Tourism
This is in response to a US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) report which found that 325 acres had been removed from by the American Samoa government for other purposes, such as the Tafuna Industrial Park.
The FAA said it agrees with the proposal but it must be amended to show that the transaction is a land use change and not a release for the disposal of airport property.
Additionally, the FAA has determined the proposed corrective action acceptable if the $US2.5 million annual subsidy is for a minimum of 10 years to cover airport maintenance and capital improvements.
Our correspondent, Fili Sagapolutele, said there is no clear indication from the budget as to where the government can find the funds.
