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Schools in US territories get $3M for maintenance needs
U.S. Virgin Islands funding helps address 2017 hurricane impacts on schools
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Grants totaling $3 million for the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the CNMI have been approved to address critical deferred maintenance needs of schools.
The U.S. Department of the Interior identified these needs through the Insular Area Assessment of Buildings and Classrooms initiative. The grants are for the fiscal year 2018 Maintenance Assistance Program.
Doug Domenech, assistant Interior secretary for Insular and International Affairs, also announced grants to the U.S. Virgin Islands to address impacts following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Puerto Rico, while also a U.S. territory, is not eligible for this funding.
“Infrastructure and maintenance needs at schools in the U.S. territories outweigh the resources available,” said Domenech. “While [Interior] Secretary [Ryan] Zinke and I are happy to provide this assistance, we acknowledge that the need is greater and will advocate for more assistance.”
Funding provided are as follows:
American Samoa Department of Public Works: $750,000 to upgrade bathroom facilities and upgrade electrical systems at schools in the Manu’atele District, including three on the island of Ta’u and one on Olosega.
Guam Department of Education: $750,000 to repair and replace canopies and make drainage improvements identified through the Insular ABC’s initiative. These projects, identified as addressing critical health and safety issues, are currently underway and will be completed this year.
The Guam Internal Audit Office also received an additional $34,579 to train and enhance GDOE audit and accounting personnel skills and knowledge in monitoring, managing, and safeguarding local and federal funds.
CNMI Public School System: $750,000 to make electrical, mechanical, and plumbing improvements, as well as roof, door, window, and fire alarm replacements in the schools.
U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education Office of Instruction: $750,000 for maintenance-related projects for schools in the St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix school districts damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Funds will support fiber optic and cyber-security training/certification; and provide equipment to increase resiliency in the face of extreme weather events such as backup batteries, specialized vehicles, fiber and cable maintenance, server upgrade/support, and solar panels as back-up energy sources.
VIDE has received funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to repair school infrastructure damaged by the hurricanes as well as the Immediate Aid to Restart School Operations grant for the 2018-2019 school year.
Funds are made available through the Maintenance Assistance Program at the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs. Applications are submitted annually from October through May 1 each year by the governments and other entities within the U.S. Insular Areas for consideration. Funds are awarded once OIA receives appropriations from the U.S. Congress until they are exhausted. (DOI)
