April 7, 2008

ERBIL, Iraq, April 7 (UPI) -- With aid from the Kurdistan government, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers helped open a government complex less than a year after an explosion ripped it apart.

A truck bomb exploded in front of the Interior Ministry of the Kurdistan Regional Government complex, killing 19 people and wounded 70 others, on May 9, 2007.

The corps worked on construction management at a facility on the complex that consolidates policing, security and intelligence activities in one location, a statement read.

A $5.8 million relief grant was provided through an emergency relief fund known as the Commander's Emergency Response Program, and an additional $1.5 million came from Kurdish officials.

CERP is a U.S. Defense Department program that allows local U.S. leaders in Iraq to provide urgent relief for programs such as water, sanitation and food production and rule of law initiatives.

The corps statement said the ministerial complex is slated to open for business.