Initially proposed during the U.S.-FSM Joint Committee Meeting in Aug. 2010, CCAD will complete one deployment cycle every six months to a different FSM state, with each state visited once every two years.
The purpose of the program is to enhance U.S.-FSM partnership and cooperation established during Pacific Partnership 2011 or PP’11.
In Pohnpei, CCAD Construction Battalion Unit 133 will work on four projects identified during PP’11: renovation of the Pohnpei Public Library in Kolonia; construction of a three-classroom building at Palikir Elementary School; renovation of a classroom building at PICS High School; and renovation of the Pohnpei State Substance Abuse/Mental Health Building in Nett. Renovation projects will include roof replacement, paint, ceiling fans, drainage, bathroom repairs, and air conditioning.
Each $35,000 project will last between 90 and 180 days, and will utilize materials purchased from local vendors as a means to enhance the local economy.
In addition to the construction of the projects mentioned, the CCAD will also have an apprenticeship program enabling engineering and construction skills transfer to participants.
The Pohnpei Department of Education in collaboration with the CCAD will choose sixteen apprentices to participate in the program.
The Pohnpei DOE would like to utilize this program to serve as a stepping stone for their candidates selected for participation in the Center for Micronesian Empowerment in Guam.
While CCAD projects continue in Pohnpei, potential project assessments will begin in Yap this month, with the Yap-assigned CCAD battalion arriving early 2012.
Similar assessments will occur in Kosrae at the end of this year. In all assessments, the state governments assist in the identification and design of engineering projects.
