OIA Press Releases (2020 to Present)
Energizing Insular Communities Program with $8.5 Million Now Available for Applications from U.S. Territories
Summary: OIA encourages American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands to submit proposals for the Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) program funding for fiscal year (FY) 2021. The total funding available is $8.5 million and the deadline is June 30, 2021.
Interior Provides $9 Million to the Northern Mariana Islands in FY 2021 Capital Improvement Funds
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs announces $9,082,000 in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) grant funding for a variety of priority needs to support renovations at the Hospital, Health Clinics, Schools, and the Utility in the Commonwealth
Interior Provides $4 Million to Guam in FY 2021 Capital Improvement Funds
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs announces $4 million in Capital Improvement Project (CIP) grant funding to design a new Guam multi-purpose/emergency operations center and handle deferred maintenance needs in Guam's public schools.
Interior Applauds Launch of Island Leaders Speaker Series
The Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) Leadership in Action Speaker Series provides a unique opportunity for ELDP participants to engage in the application of island leadership principles as they relate to political, cultural, historical, and economic issues, as well as emerging trends and topics that shape and affect island communities.
Interior Announces $739,500 in FY 2021 Funds for Prior Service Trust Fund Program
“We are pleased to be able to provide these funds in support of the many elderly in the islands who still rely on these retirement funds for basic needs,” said OIA Director and Acting Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Nik Pula. The Prior Service Trust Fund administers these funds in support of the United States’ ongoing commitment.”
Grant Application Process Still Open for Insular Areas Funding
Fiscal year 2021 grant applications will continue to be accepted for the Technical Assistance Program (TAP), the Maintenance Assistance Program (MAP), and the Coral Reef and Natural Resources (CRNR) Initiative through April 1, 2021.
Interior Announces $1,737,051 in FY 2021 Funding for the Four Atoll Healthcare Program in the Marshall Islands
The fiscal year 2021 funding provided to the Four Atoll Healthcare Program will be used to support healthcare clinics on Majuro, Bikini, Enewetak, Rongelap and Utrok that provide healthcare to approximately 20,000 people. Services include primary and ancillary healthcare services such as eye care, dental care, cervical screenings, and diabetes prevention and wellness education.
Interior Awards $1,670,450 to Support Repatriation of Stranded Residents Back to American Samoa
The funds will be used to purchase testing and cleaning supplies and provide overall support at the isolation and quarantine stage before departing Honolulu for the territory. The first repatriated group of 159 individuals arrived in American Samoa on February 5 and will remain isolated for fourteen days prior to being dismissed to their families.
Interior Provides $5,000,000 for the Trust Fund for the People of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
Five Million dollars will be deposited to the Trust Fund for the People of the Republic of the Marshall Islands as provided by Congress for tax and trade economic compensation due to adverse financial and economic impacts under the Compact of Free Association, as amended, Public Law 108-188.
Interior Transmits $16,718,000 to American Samoa for Fiscal Year 2021 Government Operations
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) has transmitted $16,718,000 in grant funding to the American Samoa government to support the operations of the hospital, the community college, public schools, and the judicial system in the territory.