Airports and Seaports

Iraq's airports and the Umm Qasr seaport are essential components of the economic infastructure if the Iraqi people are to be provided with assistance, economic growth through imports and exports. Food, construction materials and personnel are just a few vital elements that are critical for rebuilding Iraq as well as creating a stable connection with the rest of the world.

The Facilities and Transportation Sector includes the following work in eight major subsectors:

* Security Construction of 151 border forts, 10 points of entry, 90 fire stations and 583 police stations
* Justice Construction of two prisons, five new courts and renovation of 15 courts
* Military Construction of 38 projects at five military bases
* Health Renovation of 20 hospitals, construction of 150 primary healthcare centers and construction of up to seven extended healthcare centers
* Education Renovation of up to 800 schools
* Public Buildings Renovation of five Ministry buildings and a university facility
* Transportation Construction of 420 km of village roads, 200 km of expressways, five bridges, 107 railroad projects, five projects at Iraq main port and seven projects at three airports
* Communications Construction of a national advanced first-responder emergency network, a wireless communications network for Iraqi Ministries in Baghdad and renovation of two communications buildings and 30 post offices
* Non-Construction Support equipment for prisons, health facilities and schools

Construction in a war-torn country is far from easy, and Iraq is no exception. The US military has been training the people of Iraq to improve security and protection to there own population and this has been successful. It is certainly difficult working in remote, harsh and often hostile environments; timely availability and delivery of equipment and materials; availability of a fully-trained workforce; working around military operations; and difficult weather conditions is reality in Iraq. There have been positive changes made and in spite of the obstacles, the rebuilding of Iraq is well underway.

With a plan in place to achieve their goals and with the hopes and dreams of the Iraqi people as guideposts, the Facilities and Transportation Sector is helping to build a brighter future for this war-ravaged nation.

"There is nothing like a dream to create the future. Utopia today, flesh and blood tomorrow."
Victor Hugo (1802 - 1885), Les Miserables, 1862