Funding Issues Help Support Iraqi Security Efforts
The communities in Iraq are beginning to rise up and take responsibility for their own security, including the ability to pay for such operations. The Iraqi Government has begun to identify different communities that need assistance, and through different project revitalization, grants, reintegration and other methods the country is really starting to come together as a single cohesive nation.
Coalition Soldiers with the 7th Infantry, 3rd Battalion have worked to help identify and bring to the Iraqi Government attention 25 different local projects aimed at improving local economies and creating employment opportunities.
More than $3 million dollars is being poured into efforts of 24 different projects, many of which are targeting infrastructure and local issues.
The majority of the funding is coming from Iraq sources, and some of it also is coming into play from the Coalition Commanders Emergency Response Program.
Working together with the Iraqi Government the Commanders Emergency Response Program is funneling funds into the best and highest priority projects around the area of FOB Iskan.
Many of these projects directly benefit the Iraq citizens, and will help in the overall infrastructure of the country.
Iraqi Citizens often come up to the Coalition Servicemembers on patrol and thank them for all of the positive changes, the rebuilding of schools, and all of the new projects that the coalition is helping to come to bear fruit.