American Samoa : Inadequate Management and Oversight Contribute to FinancialProblems

摘要

American Samoa, a self-governed U.S. territory, began in fiscal year 1986 toaccumulate a deficit in its General Fund, its primary operating fund. The General Fund deficit increased rapidly from about $500,000 in 1987, accumulating to $ 17.6 million by fiscal year 1990, and was expected to increase by another $6.5 million in fiscal year 1991. The fiscal year 1990 budget for the General Fund was $56.9 million. Concern about this growing deficit resulted in the GAO being requested to: (1) assess American Samoa's financial conditions during the past decade leading to the increase in deficit spending, (2) evaluate the impact of local revenues on the territorial government's financial situation, (3) examine financial management practices for major government operations, and (4) determine whether the Department of the Interior exercised adequate oversight in providing federal assistance. (RWJ) abst.