BANGKOK - (May 30, 2002) Earlier today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a $115,807 grant to the Thailand Royal Irrigation Department (RID) to enhance the impact of an ongoing USTDA-funded feasibility study on RID's flood forecasting and warning system (FFWS). The USTDA grant awarded today will cover the study of the additional river networks that comprise the Chao Phraya River Basin. Mr. Geoffrey Jackson, USTDA Assistant to the Director for Policy Planning and Regional Director for Asia, signed an agreement conferring the grant in a ceremony at the RID office in Bangkok. Mr. Samart Chokkanapitak, Director General, signed on behalf of RID.

USTDA approved the grant to assist RID in maximizing the efficacy and coverage of the current system now being studied. The expanded study will enable Thailand to minimize the loss of life and economic activity attributable to flooding in this important river basin, where approximately 24 million people live. The development of an FFWS will have a positive impact on the Thai Government's ability to inform people of flood-related dangers and assist in developing a means to prevent damage and losses.

The USTDA-funded feasibility study will facilitate participation by U.S. firms in RID's upcoming procurement of flood forecasting and warning equipment and related systems. A team of consultants, led by URS Corporation of Oakland, California, will perform the study and contribute additional resources toward the completion of the expanded study scope.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries. The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, feasibility studies, training, orientation visits and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair and open trading environment. USTDA's strategic use of foreign assistance funds to support sound investment policy and decision-making in host countries creates an enabling environment for trade, investment and sustainable economic development. In carrying out its mission, USTDA gives emphasis to economic sectors that may benefit from U.S. exports of goods and services.

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