OIA Press Releases (2020 to Present)

Interior Support Will Help Virgin Islands to Be “Audit Ready”

05/25/2018

WASHINGTON – Doug Domenech, U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs, this week provided a $567,500 grant to U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth Mapp and the USVI Department of Finance to help the territory be prepared for financial audits in relation to capital assets and federal accounts receivable beginning in FY 2017 audits.  The government had been working to address these concerns when Hurricanes Maria and Irma effectively necessitated a shift in governmental priorities to restore and rebuild and further heightened the need for improved readiness in light of increased federal assistance.

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Interior Supports Coral Reef Management Fellowship Program for the U.S. Territories with FY2018 Funding

05/23/2018

WASHINGTON – Doug Domenech, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular and International Affairs, this week announced $200,000 to fund the second half of the 2018-2020 National Coral Reef Management Fellowship Program in four U.S. territories.  This highly selective graduate-level program has already placed fellows in American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

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Statement from Doug Domenech Assistant Secretary Insular and International Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior on the passing of Pedro “Teno” Pangelinan Tenorio

05/21/2018

On behalf of U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, myself, and and my staff in the Office of Insular Affairs, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on the passing of Pedro “Teno” Pangelinan Tenorio. He passed away on Monday, May 21, 2018 in the Northern Mariana Islands.

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Interior Announces $247,405 in Funding Support for Power Utilities and Lineman Training in the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands

05/18/2018

WASHINGTON (May 18, 2018) – Doug Domenech, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular and International Affairs has announced $230,000 to support the 2018 Pacific Lineman Training program for linesmen from American Samoa, Guam, Ebeye, Majuro, Palau, Pohnpei, and Yap.  An additional $17,405 will support participation in workshops and meetings sponsored by the Pacific Power Association for the three U.S. Pacific territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

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Assistant Secretary Domenech Visits CNMI Governor Torres On Saipan

04/25/2018

U.S. Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular and International Affairs Doug Domenech and Office of Insular Affairs Director Nik Pula met with Governor Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Saipan this week and signed over $5,649,042 in funding support for the territory.

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Assistant Secretary Domenech Meets with Governor Calvo on Guam

04/24/2018

HAGATNA - U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary Insular and International Affairs Doug Domenech and Office of Insular Affairs Director Nik Pula met earlier this week with Guam Governor Eddie Calvo at the Ricardo J. Bordallo Governor’s Complex in Adelup.  

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Interior Provides $10.6 Million to American Samoa for Training, Infrastructure at Wharf, Schools, and Hospital

04/19/2018

PAGO PAGO, AMERICAN SAMOA – U.S. Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Doug Domenech who is in the territory to help celebrate Flag Day, today met with American Samoa Governor Lolo Moliga and signed over $10.6 million in FY 2018 infrastructure grant funding in support of ongoing infrastructure projects at the wharf, schools, and hospital in American Samoa.  

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