-----Original Message-----
From: Beck, Chip Mr. (CIV)
Sent: Saturday, May 22, 2004 10:16 PM
To: 'mike'
Subject: 22 May Update on Scout HQS Site from Chip Beck

The past few days marked more progress on the Iraqi Scout initiative here in Baghdad and abroad.

The facilities management and property board voted to formally grant Use Authority of the old 40 acre mukhabarat camp to the Iraqi National Scout Council, thanks to the foresight and generosity of Baghdad Central and Mr. Wajdi Hamid for relinquishing their previous control over the property. Voting in favor of the Scouts was unanimous and took all of 5 seconds, thanks to having done our title search homework in advance.

The Ministry of Education is supporting the Scout Council by moving to install a guard force and Scout Council staff to control access and activities at the new Scout HQS site. Several Scout Council senior leaders visited the site 22 May( and met with JUMPSTART and GZC personnel.

There were 55 works on the site on 22 May, and plans still call for a total of 60 to 100 Iraqi workers to work daily to clean up the site and demolish buildings (with heavy equipment) over the next three months. The workers are already beginning to sort out the rubble for salvage and non-salvage material. Heavy equipment will be brought in to assist.

Engineer Nima Motashar (former Scout) was hired by the GZC to oversee the site progress and be our trouble-shooter.

Engineer General Suhair surveyed the old gymnasium building and will have his architects draw up a plan and cost estimate for renovating this building first, as it is the most undamaged and thus suitable for the first temporary office building on the site. He will provide rough estimates for renovation of the other buildings. Total costs are still estimated at this point at $4 - $4.5 million, according to three independent estimates (not detailed).

Efforts are underway to raise the $40,000 to enable 80 Iraqi Scouters (40 each men and women) to attend the two week July training course in Cairo for professional Iraqi Scouters from all 18 provinces and Baghdad.

The BSA national business meeting in Chicago discussed the Iraqi Scout Initiative and ways to support the effort. Thanks to our BSA Scouting colleagues.

As a Civil Affairs project, a U.S. Army Engineering Battalion working with the Al Mansur DAC has offered to clean-up and make major improvement of the old Scout Camp where I first met the Iraqi Scout leadership in March. Kudos to Nima and the Army Engineers for developing this effort. More details will be provided on the unit and the plans, when I have them. From what I've heard, it will be terrific.

Iraqi Scout leaders conveyed their sincere appreciation for all those who are helping them. They are on their way now, and have their leadership up and running, but need resources. That's where all of you come in. Many Scouters and Units have offered excellent new ideas and support to Mike and me. That is what is needed to make this a better world. We appreciate all.