More funds for the islands

The islands of Micronesia will see funding from a variety of sources from everything from replacing lead pipes to supporting Red Cross chapters, to work.

Some of the money will flow out immediately, while other sources mandated dollars to trickle out.

A final rule for the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements was posted on Oct. 8, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The rule will require “drinking water systems nationwide to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years.” The legislation will also require “more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for communities to act on lead in drinking water. EPA announced $10.08 million in drinking water infrastructure funding for Guam and $11.007 million for the Northern Mariana Islands through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding will support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects.

In related news, the Northern Mariana Islands received $17.05 million, and Guam received $6.45 million in May to help identify and replace lead service lines, preventing exposure to lead in drinking water.

A team of five civilian engineers from U.S. Naval Facilities Southwest is scheduled to visit Yap from Oct. 16 to 18. The team will brief Yap Port and government officials on the progress of the port improvement design to ensure that the design meets the operational needs of the Yap Port in Colonia while aligning with the Navy’s design objectives.

Additionally, the team will discuss requests for Yap State lands to be designated for dredge disposal sites, lay-down areas, concrete batch plant locations, and contractor man camp areas, according to a diplomatic note from the U.S. Embassy in the Federated States of Micronesia.

The Guam Economic Development Authority will receive $150,000 of $20 million in U.S. Small Business Administration funding for State Trade Expansion Program agencies to provide financial support to small businesses in growing the volume and value of exports. 

Five Guam-based companies traveled to Palau to showcase their locally-made products to distributors, wholesalers, and retailers through a grant in 2023.

The Government of Palau, in partnership with Soramitsu Co. Ltd. — a technology company delivering blockchain-based solutions for enterprises, universities, and governments — and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry has officially launched a prototype of its blockchain-based savings bond system, Palau Invest, according to an Oct. 8 release from Soramitsu.

“This marks a significant move towards securing Palau's financial future. Sponsored by the ministry's "Global South Future-Oriented Co-Creation Project," the initiative highlights Japan's dedication to supporting emerging economies through innovative technology,” the release said.

“The digital savings bonds offer Palauan citizens a simple way to invest in their country while earning returns. The funds raised will be allocated to key national projects such as bridges, roads, and public infrastructure, fueling the country's economic growth and creating widespread benefits for its citizens,” according to the release. For related news, see mbjguam.com/summit held at palau

In other news of Palau, Isobel Coleman, deputy administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, also known as USAID, led a delegation with representatives from the White House, the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, the U.S. International Development Finance Corp., and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, to Palau, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

U.S. officials typically make an announcement of funding while in a location.

Arriving in Palau on Sept. 30, Coleman announced Oct. 1 on Palau’s Independence Day, $1.5 million in funding to the American Red Cross “to bolster disaster preparedness and response capabilities” of the national Red Cross societies of the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands. She also launched a new partnership with the Palau Chamber of Commerce “to combat human trafficking, which will raise awareness about trafficking in persons, improve protection for victims, and ensure collaboration among partners,” according to an Oct. 8 readout from USAID.

The office of the President of Palau said two checks were presented on Oct.1 at Ngerulmud: $80.4 million, which included a partial payment for the fiscal 2025 assistance grant, The Trust Fund full and final payment and the first two of the fiscal year funds. Also presented was $314,086 in Coral Reef and Natural Resources funding to Palau. "[The] funds will help Palau develop a System of Natural Accounts in connection with the United Nations System of Environment-Economic Accounting program to compile and assess the conditions and statistical value of natural resources such as mangrove, seagrass, and corals," the Office of the President said.

Among the delegation was Carmen G. Cantor, assistant secretary of the Department of Insular Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior, who announced Oct. 1 a $2.6 million grant through the Office of Insular Affairs Initiative “to protect natural resources and biodiversity in the Insular Areas.” mbj