US gives $133M to FSM, RMI

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Department of the Interior has provided $133,114,602 in fiscal year 2020 grant payments to the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands as provided for under the Compact of Free Association, or Public Law 108-188.

“This $133 million in funding provided for under the Compact of Free Association agreements is critical to basic government operations and in providing stability for individuals and families in both the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Payments also bolster disaster emergency funds for unforeseen events and their respective Compact Trust Funds for the future,” said Assistant Secretary, Insular and International Affairs, Douglas W. Domenech. “Secretary Bernhardt and I are proud of Interior’s role as part of the larger U.S. Government relationship with these freely associated states.”

According to U.S. Ambassador to Micronesia Carmen Cantor, “The funding…shows our enduring commitment to the people of [FSM]. These funds not only support Micronesia’s current response to the coronavirus pandemic, but also help build a more stable and prosperous future for all Micronesian citizens.”

In the Marshall Islands, U.S. Ambassador Roxanne Cabral said, “We stand together to strengthen the prosperity of the Marshall Islands and to continue to improve the livelihoods of all Marshallese citizens. Our support for priority areas such as education, health, and infrastructure creates a strong foundation for continued growth in the Marshall Islands.”

Thus far, payments made to the FSM in fiscal year 2020 consist of Compact Sector Grant assistance, Supplemental Education Grant assistance, and a deposit into the FSM Compact Trust Fund, altogether totaling $79,320,663, as detailed below.

In addition, payments made to the Republic of the Marshall Island in fiscal year 2020 thus far consist of Compact Sector Grant assistance, Supplemental Education Grant assistance, support of the Kwajalein Land Use Agreement, and a deposit into the RMI Compact Trust Fund, altogether totaling $53,793,939, as detailed below.

Compact Sector allocations for the FSM and the RMI are approved each year by bilateral Joint Economic Management Committees. Compact assistance provided to-date for fiscal year 2020 include deposits to the FSM Compact Trust Fund (https://fsmcfatf.com/), the RMI Compact Trust Fund (https://rmicfatf.com/), Disaster Emergency Assistance Funds, and Single Audits. (PR)