OIA Press Releases (2020 to Present)

OIA Logo

Interior Department Applauds Renewed Economic Assistance for Compacts of Free Association

03/11/2024

On Saturday, March 9, 2024, President Biden signed into law, H.R. 4366, the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024,” which included the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2024. The Department of the Interior today celebrated the finalization of amendments to the Compacts of Free Association, which would provide 20 years of new economic assistance. The $6.5 billion of assistance is critical for economic stability and quality of life for the people of the freely associated states (FAS): the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), and the Republic of Palau.

Read more
OIA Logo

OIA Anounces $2.3 Million in FY24 Funds for Four Atoll Healthcare in the Marshall Islands and APIPA

03/01/2024

“Every year OIA provides funding to support healthcare for families and communities from the four nuclear-affected atolls, a program we have supported for many years now as a critical piece of our ongoing support to the Marshall Islands. This year we are also supporting the APIPA’s efforts to conduct peer and quality control review of their operations across the islands, a critical role given the important levels of federal funds that are provided to the islands,” said Assistant Secretary Cantor.

Read more
OIA Logo

EIC Grants to Territories in 2023

01/22/2024

The Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) program provides grant funding to the U.S. territories for energy strategies that reduce the cost of electricity and reduce dependence on foreign fuels. This program is intended to support the Department priority to utilize our natural resources by ensuring American energy is available to meet security and economic needs. A total of $15,935,439, in EIC funds were awarded in fiscal year 2023.

Read more
Combatting Invasive Species photo

OIA Announces $1.2 Million in FY2023 Funds to Combat Invasive Species in the Insular Areas

09/06/2023

“Invasive species are disruptive and destabilizing to eco-systems in the islands in ways that threaten food sources and the livelihoods of people in these areas,” said Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor. “Combatting invasive species and mitigating their threat is a priority throughout the Insular Areas. We are pleased to provide this support.”  

Read more
Coral Reef and Natural Resources program photo

OIA Announces $1.4 Million in FY2023 Funds to Protect and Support Coral Reefs in the Insular Areas

09/05/2023

“Coral reefs are important income generators for tourism and food industries in island economies; and while coral reefs protect and harbor fish and other coastal resources, they also provide islands with critical protection from erosion and wave action from storms.,” said Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor. “We are grateful to Congress for providing this funding and helping the Insular Areas protect these unique natural resources.”  

Read more
OIA Logo

Maintenance Assistance Program Provides $5.2 Million for the Insular Areas in Fiscal Year 2023

08/10/2023

“Maintenance and upkeep are necessary for the islands where the warmer weather, higher humidity, and the saltwater environment cause faster degradation of equipment and buildings,” said Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Carmen G. Cantor. “All across the Insular Areas, OIA’s Maintenance Assistance Program is making a difference in small and big ways.”  
 

Read more