Washington -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today attended a congressional hearing to commend the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on their essential contributions in rebuilding Iraqi infrastructure after decades of neglect by the Hussein regime.  The hearing took place in the House Subcommittee on Energy & Water Appropriations.

 

“The Corps has done a fantastic job in Iraq, and their role there is extremely important in winning the hearts and minds of a people who suffered greatly at the hands of Saddam Hussein,” Emerson said.  “There is less damage from the war in Baghdad than there is from the neglect of the regime that ruled Iraq for two decades.  Many civilian men and women volunteered their services in this mission to reverse the decay, and they are some of the biggest heroes of this effort.”

 

Emerson visited Baghdad and northern Iraq last November and observed many reconstruction projects underway at that time.

 

“By building bridges, extinguishing oil fires, and solving sewage problems, the Corps has been able to get an entire nation back on track.  We still have a long way to go, but this is an encouraging report of cooperation and progress coming out of Iraq,”

Members of the Corps were often deployed to forward areas in Iraq to support Coalition combat troops.  Many more were involved in rebuilding the city of Baghdad, where 5.5 million people live.

 

“In a city of 5.5 million, there were only 25 fire stations in different stages of disrepair.  The sewage infrastructure was virtually nonexistent, and raw sewage was being dumped directly into the Tigris River.  Upon arrival, the Corps found some 200 major and minor breaks in the sewage lines.  The Corps has changed all that, from rebuilt fire stations to drinkable water, in less than a year’s time,” Emerson added.  “Their contribution is amazing.”

 

Principal testimony before the committee was offered by Lieutenant General Robert B. Flowers, the commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.