U.S. launches Iraqi reconstruction project

BAGHDAD, April 17 (UPI) -- Top U.S. military officials kicked off a major reconstruction and training operation in central Iraq aimed at boosting a democratic market economy.

Commander of Multi-National Division-Center and the 3rd Infantry Division Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch this week launched Operation Marne Piledriver, the first major operation devoted almost exclusively to capacity building, the U.S. military reported.

The U.S. military began construction on a joint operations base to house Iraqi and U.S.-led security and reconstruction units.

The base houses facilities for Iraqi-run radio stations and security operations. The base also serves as the headquarters for offices devoted to re-establishing two key water treatment facilities as well as improving the poultry and agricultural sectors in Mahmudiyah and Yusufiyah, located about 40 miles southeast of Baghdad.

Iraqi government officials have authority to solicit bids for the water treatment facility and the revitalization of the agricultural sector to Iraqi contractors. A major project of Operation Marne Piledriver, the military said, was boosting the production of regional poultry farms.

To that end, the U.S. Agency for International Development will train Iraqi government officials on how to function effectively in a free-market economy.

"This is really a test-bed for how successful capacity-building operations can be," said U.S. Maj. T.J. Johnson.