 States bid farewell to CAT teamsPALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): September 5, 2003 - The State of Kosrae's closing ceremony on September 02, concluded the Permanent Closure ceremonies to bid farewell to the Civic Action Teams (CAT) stationed throughout the Federated States of Micronesia. The camp close downs began in mid-August in the State of Chuuk, followed last week by Camp Combs in Pohnpei on August 28 and finally Camp Driscoll in Kosrae on the 2nd. These closures are in line with the Amended Compact of Free Association between the FSM and the United States. The CAT program is being replaced in the Amended Compact by the Humanitarian Assistance - FSM (HAFSM) program. A program that would provide similar services, but without base camps in the FSM. During June of this year, a meeting in Pohnpei provided the opportunity for the FSM and the U.S. to discuss in detail the procedure and funding requirement for the new program. When the Compact of Free Association took effect in November of 1986 it contained certain provisions for civic action teams for the FSM. The purpose of the CAT program is to first, enhance the socioeconomic development in the FSM. Second, is to maintain a favorable U.S. military presence in support of USCINCPAC's cooperative engagement strategy through:
The CAT Teams, as they're commonly referred to in the FSM, have completed numerous projects to aid in basic infrastructure development, trained the local labor force in construction techniques and have provided quality support to the local health care system. They have also played an active role in the local communities. In Chuuk some of the recent key community construction projects completed include the Public Safety Building Construction, Governor's Office Renovation, Chuuk State Hospital Pediatrics Ward Renovation, Chuuk State Hospital Emergency Room Renovation, and Secondary Road Upgrades. In Kosrae, some of the recent key community construction projects completed include the Upward Bound Offices, Renovation of the Children's Ward of the Kosrae State Hospital, Kosrae High School Restroom Facility, Mutunte Basketball Court, Water Catchment Construction, and Renovation of the Kosrae Police Station. And in Pohnpei, some of the highlights of the CAT's community construction program completed during the past year include the Pohnlangas Sports Field, Ohmine School Renovation, Rohi School Renovation, OWHA Basketball Court, and Secondary Road Repairs.
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