Cooperative Agreement Summary

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded $1.108 million to the American Samoa Government Department of Commerce through the Coastal Zone Management Administration Awards program (CFDA 11.419) effective October 1, 2025, through March 31, 2027. This cooperative agreement provides ongoing operational funding to support the administration of American Samoa's federally approved Coastal Zone Management Program, enabling the territory to develop and implement science-based coastal protection and economic development initiatives that balance resource conservation with responsible growth.

Under this award, the American Samoa Coastal Zone Management Division will deliver comprehensive coastal management services addressing priority issues including coastal hazards mitigation, habitat protection, water quality improvement, and coastal community development. Specific deliverables include wetland delineation mapping and associated educational materials to enhance community awareness of wetland value; integration of coastal hazard considerations into the territorial land-use permitting process to address sea level rise, wave inundation, and storm surge risks; evaluation of nature-based solutions for sustainable coastal hazard mitigation; and ongoing technical assistance for coastal permitting, planning, and public outreach to American Samoa's coastal communities. These activities support job creation and strengthen community resilience across the territory's coastal areas.