Government and Industry News Newsbrief from Military Engineer

International Zone Transition Plan Completed

HDR | Nakata Planning Group has completed the transition plan to return property and control of the International Zone in Baghdad back to the Iraqi government. The plan will serve as a transition document for a planning commission to steward resources to support and implement the transition. Subcontracted by Tetra Tech Inc. and the U.S. Air Force Center for Environmental Excellence, HDR | Nakata Planning Group has outlined guidelines to ensure an effective, efficient transition of the current operational environment formerly known as the “Green Zone” back to the Iraqi people. Each phase will shrink the distinct boundaries until it eventually disappears. The timing and duration of the several phases of the plan are determined by the level of “safety and security” in Baghdad.

The 4-sq-mi International Zone is located in the center of Baghdad, bordered on the north and west by urban development and on the east and south by the Tigris River. Sealed off from the rest of the city for protection, it is occupied by 35,000 people including Iraqi citizens, multi-national military forces, the Iraqi Transitional Government, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, United Nations and United States Mission Iraq, which includes the U.S. Embassy, Chancery and the Ambassador’s residence.

The first phase of the transition plan comprises returning property and security responsibilities of several public buildings back to the Iraqi government. Phase two includes the return of one military area, residential housing north of the Presidential Palace, and a training area. In the final stage of the plan—upon the completion of a new U. S. Embassy complex—the Presidential Palace, which is currently occupied by the U.S. Embassy, will be returned to the Iraqi government.

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