Amata Welcomes Over $450,000 Grant For American Samoa's Criminal Justice System

Press Release

Thursday, Congresswoman Uifa'atali Amata is welcoming the announcement of $454,543 in federal funds for American Samoa's criminal justice system. The funds are part of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant funding program of the US Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs (OJP).

The Byrne Grant is a leading source of federal funding for the justice programs of states and territories. This funding covers areas like law enforcement, prosecution and defense efforts, courts, crime prevention and education, corrections, drug treatment, technology, and more.

"I would like to recognize the important work of the American Samoa Criminal Justice Planning Agency. They have brought millions of dollars of federal funding to the territory's justice system, and I thank Director Mariana Timu-Faiai and her agency for their incredible service," Amata said. "I heartily welcome these essential funds for our territory's justice system. Grants like these give our government the flexibility that it needs to address key areas of importance."

"Congratulations also to Governor Lemanu, Lt. Governor Talauega, and ASG on this grant. Finally, thank you to Attorney General Merrick Garland and OJP Acting Director Kristen Mahoney for this support."

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