1st MARINE DIVISION
BLUE DIAMOND HQ, AR RAMADI, IRAQ

Press Release 05-053 Point of Contact:
1stLt Eric M. Knapp, Public Affairs Officer
May 26, 2004 KnappEM@1mardivdm.usmc.mil

Marines Embark On Clean Water Project for Ramadi

THE WAY AHEAD:

The 1st Marine Division is currently focused on destroying Anti-Iraqi Forces in the Al Anbar province. Simultaneously, the Marines are establishing a patient, persistent presence in the key areas throughout the province while supporting the development of competent, trustworthy, Iraqi Security Forces and conducting civil military operations.

CIVIL MILITARY OPERATIONS:

RAMADI – Representatives from the 1st Marine Division and Navy Seabees Civil Affairs signed a $3.2 million contract for the Al Jazeera Water Project in Ramadi. The project will provide 3 million gallons of clean drinking water to 51,000 people. In terms of budget, it is the largest project Marine-led civil affairs teams have embarked upon since arriving in Iraq in February.

The project will include chemical treatment facilities and new piping. The project is expected to employ at least 200 Iraqis for construction.

FALLUJAH – Navy Seabees, working with Marines from the 1st Marine Division, began constructing two huts for Iraqi Civil Defense Corps use at the Civil Military Operations Center in Fallujah. Additionally, a $30,000 paving initiative began after an Iraqi contractor was awarded the project.

Marines in Fallujah received 23 bids for the Al Sakaniya Apartment improvements. The estimated cost for construction on the apartments is more than $500,000. Additionally, 22 bids were received for school and mosque repair projects.


-USMC-