Government of the Federated States of Micronesia

FSM Receives $3 Million Compact Infrastructure Maintenance Grant

Palikir, Pohnpei (Dept. of Foreign Affairs): August 14, 2008 - On Friday, August 8, 2008, a ceremony was held at the President's Office to commemorate the acceptance of a $3 million Compact of Free Association Public Infrastructure sector grant. The grant will enable the state governments of the FSM to implement small-scale infrastructure projects for health and education facilities.

In brief remarks, US Ambassador to the FSM Miriam Hughes noted that the grant "opens a small but significant window", referring to US efforts at installing a more effective delivery system that gives the states more flexibility on how to use the funding. "We aim to empower Micronesian officials to fulfill with pride the most basic obligation of governance-to anticipate, define and fulfill the needs of your citizens."

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Lorin S. Robert gave responding remarks, noting the flexibility of Compact funding and expressing hope that "the same favorable consideration can again be accorded to projects that meet the development aspiration of the FSM." Secretary Robert highlighted the importance of joint cooperation by the FSM and US Governments, as well as the importance of US presence in the FSM to appreciate in-country challenges and limitations.

Each of the four FSM states will be allocated $750,000 of the grant for projects directly related to: 1) construction, repair, renovation or rehabilitation of education and health facilities; 2) provision of potable water to education and health facilities; and 3) public safety. Each state is required to provide a listing and description of projects to be funded by the grant.

Witnesses at the grant award ceremony included Vice President Alik L. Alik, Governor of Pohnpei State John Ehsa and his Chief of Staff, Isonahnken Ihlen Joseph, Secretary of Finance and Administration Finley S. Perman, Secretary of Education Casiano Shoniber, Secretary of Transportation, Communications & Infrastructure Francis Itimai, Acting Secretary of Health and Social Affairs Jane Elymore, SBOC Director Fabian Nimea, President's Chief of Staff Kasio Mida, FSM Project Management Unit Manager Jack Yakana and US Embassy Staff Gary Bloom.

For further information contact the Subdivision of American Affairs in the Department of Foreign Affairs, (691) 320-2544.