Two U.S. government-funded projects aimed at helping to modernize commercial ports while expanding “clean energy” infrastructure took their first steps today—in the North African nation of Morocco.
According to contracting documents that U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor located through routine database research, the U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA) on March 31 hired separate consulting firms tasked with guiding agency involvement in the Moroccan projects. The initial contracts pale in contrast to the potential extent of U.S. financial backing of these multi-billion-dollar projects—the total of which partly hinges upon recommendations that the firms provide in their final reports.
The Scope of Work (SOW) document for the “Morocco: Ports Definitional Mission” points out that the Government of Morocco (GOM) wants to embark upon a deepwater port project “valued at $1.1 billion.” Additionally, the nation from 2011-2015 intends to “invest $360 million to modernize its ports and upgrade the infrastructure along its expansive Atlantic coastline.” USTDA awarded a $50,000 contract to the Westerville, OH-based Interdisciplinary Research Consultants to “assess and justify whether or not USTDA should provide funding” toward these endeavors.
A separate but corresponding initiative that USTDA has launched is the “Morocco: Clean Energy Definitional Mission.” The agency today awarded a $48,000 contract to the Brooklyn, NY-based CJ Aron Associates, Inc. to assess whether, and to what extent, the USTDA will consider funding activities related to the endeavor
“Morocco has few traditional domestic energy resources and currently imports 97% of its energy,” the project’s SOW states. “…Given the high level of dependence on energy imports, the [GOM] has recognized the need to develop its vast indigenous renewable resources and is moving very quickly to implement several projects and initiatives.”
Additionally, the document says, a regional entity known as the Tanger Mediterranean Special Agency (TMSA)—which operates a deepwater port affiliated with the previously mentioned project—has requested USTDA assistance is funding a “green port feasibility study.” The selected contractor likewise will “assess and justify” USTDA involvement in this and other renewable- and clean-energy projects in Morocco.
What does the U.S. government have at stake in slating American tax dollars toward Morocco’s modernization? According to the contracts, it hopes to open “commercial opportunities for U.S. companies.”
Absolutely no aid to Africa. They have more modern
facilities than we do.
STOP ALL AID TO AFRICA...
Posted by: Edwin Werntz | 04/01/2011 at 01:29 PM