Assistant Secretary Cantor Announces $3 Million in Technical Assistance Grants for the Republic of the Marshall Islands

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of the Interior’s Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor today announced $3,098,251 in Technical Assistance Program (TAP) funding provided through the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) for the Marshall Islands during a visit with Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Ambassador Charles Paul at the RMI Embassy in Washington, D.C.

“Technical Assistance Program grants play a crucial role in supporting projects in the Marshall Islands that have lasting impacts for communities,” said Assistant Secretary Cantor. “This year’s TAP awards will build on improvements to existing transportation, waterway and disaster resilience; strengthen renewable energy projects in the capital; and improve customs IT systems for the island nation.”

Four TAP grants, totaling $1,051,050 were announced for the following projects:

• $502,300 to the Arno Atoll Local Government for the Arno Atoll Boat Channel Project;
• $229,750 to the Majuro Atoll Local Government for the Majuro Renewable Energy Project;
• $164,500 to the Jaluit Atoll Local Government for the Disaster Preparedness and Climate Resilience for Disconnected Communities on Jaluit Atoll Project; and
• $154,500 to the Republic of Marshall Islands Customs Department for the IT Infrastructure Project.

As called for under Public Law 112-149, the OIA is also providing $2,047,201 through an Inter-Agency Agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy for the Runit Dome Groundwater Monitoring Program, to continue groundwater monitoring at the containment structure located at Runit Island at Enewetak Atoll.

The OIA previously awarded an additional amount of $2,240,225 to the RMI Ministry of Health and Human Services for the Section 177 Health Care 4 Atolls Program on February 27, 2024. That assistance was provided earlier in the year to ensure continuation of primary and special health care services to the residents of Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap and Utrik.

In total, the OIA TAP program provided a sum of $5,338,476 in funding assistance for the Republic of the Marshall Islands in fiscal year 2024. This serves as a testament to the continued support that the United States provides the Republic of the Marshall Islands beyond the Compact of Free Association.

The Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs and the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) carry out the Secretary of the Interior’s responsibilities for the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, OIA administers and oversees federal assistance under the Compacts of Free Association to the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. The OIA also administers a discretionary Technical Assistance Program for all the Insular Areas. Find information about OIA and its work on www.doi.gov/oia, Facebook, X, and YouTube..

###