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Ammon News - AqabaUSAID Mission Director Beth Paige witnessed the receipt of the first wheat delivery of 45,000 metric tons through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food for Progress Program at the Port of Aqaba.

A second shipment of 5,000 metric tons is expected to arrive later this month to complete the 50,000 metric ton donation valued at $17 million donated by the U.S. to Jordan.

The Jordanian Government will use the proceeds from the wheat’s monetization to undertake the Al-Karak Dam construction project. The Al-Karak project is expected to increase agricultural yields and expand Jordan’s agricultural exports. The dam will benefit 5,000 farmer families, reduce energy costs by $57,000/year, and increase the agricultural production of about 1,400 agricultural acres by about $1.4 million per year.

Director Paige noted that the U.S is proud of the dynamic relationship with Jordan and steadfast cooperation in a number of areas including education, healthcare, water and regional security and added “the U.S. is once again pleased to provide this assistance to its longtime friend and partner.”

While in Aqaba Ms. Paige will meet with ASEZA Chief Commissioner Kamel Mahadin and will be briefed on USAID projects in Aqaba. The cumulative amount of USAID’s investments in Aqaba over the past ten years is $300 million in the water, education, health, democracy, and governance in addition to other sectors.