Posted on 06/22/2009 4:43:08 PM PDT by SandRat
An Iraqi welder fabricates the steel structure of the Umm Qasr pier and seawall project. The $53 million project is being managed by the Gulf Region Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq. GRD photo by A. Al Bahrani.
BASRAH — As part of a comprehensive plan to develop the Iraqi Navy’s (IqN) capabilities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is partnering with the Government of Iraq (GoI) by managing a $53 million pier and seawall project at Umm Qasr.
Funded by the GoI, the new project in southern Iraq will provide the IqN new port facilities as it continues to expand its military naval capabilities, according to Navy Lt. j.g. Daniel Gutierrez, USACE, Umm Qasr Pier and Seawall resident engineer.
The project includes a 210-meter main pier, two smaller piers, and facilities for power, water and fuel distribution.
The project is vital for security in Iraq, according to Iraqi Col. Ahmed Jasim, the commander of the Umm Qasr Navy Base.
“The completed pier and fueling facilities will support new naval vessels being purchased by Iraq,” said Jasim. “Together, the new facilities and supported patrol vessels will significantly increase the Iraqi Navy’s capacity to secure the vital port infrastructure and seaways in Iraq’s territorial waters, which are critical to Iraq’s security and continued economic development.”
On average, the project provides jobs for about 80 local workers daily.
“We consider this a critical project due to its military and economic importance for our country,” said Jasim. “We are very pleased the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is involved because USACE has a very good reputation in overseeing such work.”
The Umm Qasr pier and seawall project is 15 percent completed and expected to be finished by the end of this year.
As Iraq strives to build a secure, stable and self-governing nation, the USACE has completed hundreds of projects in the transportation and communication sector. Since 2004, the USACE has completed eight port projects throughout Iraq.
(By A. Al Bahrani, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
Just when are the Taxpayers of the US going to stop building this country up and make them start paying for their own improvements!
I am fine with helping these folks, but we need to quit forking over the bucks. Contrary to what the corrupt fools in DC are doing, WE ARE BROKE and damn near max’ed out with our credit cards.
Help... don’t pay. NO MO MONEY
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