WASHINGTON, D.C. - (December 11, 2001) Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a $371,000 grant to the Romanian Government, acting through the National Institute for Meteorology, Hydrology and Water Management, for a feasibility study to establish an integrated decision and informational system for water emergencies at the national level. The event, organized on the occasion of the Romanian Water Management Study Tour, was hosted by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and included representatives of the Romanian Ministry of Waters and Environmental Protection. Mr. Ned Cabot, USTDA Regional Director for Europe, and Mr. Valentin Alexandrescu, Counsel to the Romanian Minister of Waters and Environmental Protection, signed the grant agreement.

Over the last ten years, the frequency of disastrous flooding and subsequent accidental pollution in Romania has greatly increased, resulting in millions of dollars in damage. This feasibility study will assess several hydrological forecasting models needed to implement a viable emergency management program in Romania. This project is a development priority for the Romanian Government as they seek an effective method to avoid the loss of lives and extreme economic losses incurred from flooding. U.S. export potential for the final implementation of this project is estimated to be $24 million. This feasibility study will be competitively bid among interested U.S. firms.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes American private sector participation by helping U.S. companies pursue business opportunities in developing and middle income countries. Through the funding of feasibility studies, orientation visits, specialized training grants, business workshops and various forms of technical assistance, USTDA helps American businesses compete for infrastructure projects in emerging markets. In addition, the agency promotes capacity building initiatives and supports U.S. government trade, economic policy and developmental objectives around the world. Since 1992, USTDA has provided grant funding totaling over $12 million for such projects in Romania. For further information, contact the Foreign Commercial Service at the U.S Embassy in Bucharest.

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