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COALITION PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT OFFICE (PMO)
Baghdad, Iraq
APO AE 09335

January 29, 2004
For Immediate Release
2004-004
Bruce Cole, 914-360-5766
PMO Media Relations
coleb@orha.centcom.mil

Reconstruction Work to Begin at Umm Qasr -- To Include Iraqi Contractors, Suppliers and Workers

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Work will start soon on a $10.3 million project to renovate the Umm Qasr Naval Base for the Iraqi Armed Forces. The project is funded through the Project Management Office (PMO) of the Coalition Provisional Authority.

The PMO manages the $18.4 billion appropriated by the U.S. Congress to support the reconstruction of Iraqi infrastructure.

The Umm Qasr project includes building renovation; construction of electrical, water and sanitary sewage systems; security improvements; dock repair and dredging.

"This project is among the first four in a long line of construction we'll manage," said retired U.S. Navy rear admiral David J. Nash, the PMO director. "We have more than 2,300 projects to complete in the coming years and we will work closely with the Iraqis to get the job done," he added.

The project is important to the Iraqi security necessary to continue with the major task of rebuilding the nation's infrastructure.

"A key benefit of completing this project is to give the Iraqi Armed Forces the facilities they need for the defense of their country," said Major General Paul D. Eaton, U.S. Army, commanding general of the Coalition Military Assistance and Training Team.

"We also know that helping Iraqis gain jobs and build industries has a direct impact on their safety and security," said Rear Adm. Nash. "Military facilities are only a part of the reconstruction." Most of the 2,300 PMO projects are distributed among the oil; electricity; public works and water; communications and transportation; security and justice; and buildings and health sectors.

The work at Umm Qasr is expected to be complete in approximately mid-May 2004. The prime contractor, Weston Solutions, Inc. of West Chester, Pennsylvania, U.S.A intends to involve Iraqi contractors, suppliers and labor.