OIA awards $897,738 to support Guam and Pacific insular areas

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU) issued the following statement last week regarding the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs award of two federal grants totaling $897,738 in technical assistance for programs supporting programs in Guam, the CNMI, American Samoa, and the Freely Associated States. Each year, Bordallo supports strong congressional authorization and appropriation of federal funds for technical assistance grants for the territories provided by the OIA.

• $400,000 was awarded to support students participating in the Junior State of America program (formerly Junior Statesmen of America). The award will allow four students from Guam and each of the other insular areas to attend a three-week summer school program on the campuses of Georgetown, Princeton, or Stanford where they develop reading, writing, leadership, and speaking skills.  Funding also supports a one-week academic preparation and community project program for 65 students in the insular areas and promotes political education as well as development of local JSA chapters in the islands.   

• $497,738 was awarded to support the Pacific Island Ocean Observing System. The award will help PacIOOS enhance public safety with improved atmospheric and wave forecasts, as well as increase understanding of the Pacific Ocean and marine ecology in Guam, the CNMI, and American Samoa.

“The Junior State of America program is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about our democratic system of government and develop critical leadership and communication skills,” said Bordallo. “This program has allowed many of our students from Guam and the other insular areas to travel off island and interact with other students from across the country. I am always happy to meet with our Guam students when they visit DC. I look forward to this award continuing to support this invaluable program.

“PacIOOS empowers ocean users and stakeholders in the Pacific by providing accurate, reliable coastal and ocean information, tools, and services that are easy to access and use. This grant will allow PacIOOS to continue to help the people of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa remain safe and resilient.” (PR)