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US provides $77m more in cyclone relief assistance

UNB, Dhaka
The US government will provide an additional $77.5 million for the Sidr victims in the new fiscal year.
"President Bush signed into law a supplemental funding bill for the US Government that includes $25 million in cyclone recovery and rehabilitation relief for the country for 2008, with an additional $50 million available for 2009," the US mission here announced yesterday.
In addition, the US Department of Defense will provide $2.5 million in 2008 to support disaster relief.
With the announcement of this new funding, the US mission will identify projects and partners to continue efforts to help Bangladesh respond to the aftermath of the devastation caused by cyclone Sidr in 2007.
“This assistance will focuS on supporting livelihoods and stimulating economic recovery, strengthening local governments in -affected areas, and involving local communities in protecting vital habitats while still allowing sustainable use of the forest as an economic asset,” the release said.
Funds also will help provide nutrition for children and mothers in the cyclone-affected region and support the planning and construction of cyclone shelters
in areas where they are most needed.
In addition, the Department-of-Defense funds will be used to construct multipurpose shelters and bridges.
"The United States government remains committed to assisting the Government of Bangladesh and Its people," it said.
The release added, "The message of the US government to the people of Bangladesh is a simple one: We were here before the cyclone; we were here during the initial emergency relief phase; and we will be here to help Bangladesh move forward."
The United States government has provided more than $5 billion in development assistance to Bangladesh since independence. Immediately after Sidr, the United States provided $ 6.5 million for non-food emergency relief activities.
In 2008, the United States is also providing an additional $110 million in food aid that is being used for emergency relief, rehabilitation, and sustainable development in poor and vulnerable villages in the char, haor, and Sidr-affected regions.
"This continuing assistance reflects the US commitment to helping build a brighter tomorrow for Bangladesh's most vulnerable citizens."