On 25 August at 14:00, U.S. Ambassador John Bass and Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Zaza Gogava will break ground on a U.S.-funded Georgia Coast Guard ship maintenance facility near Poti harbor. The estimated $4 million facility is part of a $10 million package of assistance provided by the U.S. Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) program to the Georgian Government. In addition to this new ship maintenance facility, the U.S. has funded the renovation of two primary Georgian Coast Guard patrol vessels and the complete modernization of a third patrol vessel. The contract work on all three boats is being performed by a Georgian company based in Ajara. The $2 million in local boat repair contracts, combined with the introduction of a modern ship repair facility is expected to stimulate the growth of shipbuilding and repair industries in Georgia.

The maintenance facility will be built by a regional construction firm and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will provide the coast guard with a substantially increased capability to perform maintenance and repairs on their fleet of patrol ships. When complete, the facility will house all of the equipment necessary for hull, machinery and electronics repair, extending the life of coast guard vessels and improving the availability of vessels to ensure safety and security along Georgia's coastline.

This aid comes at a time when Georgia's coastal cities are experiencing a steady increase in maritime trade and tourism requiring increased Coast Guard patrols. The U.S. Government through the EXBS program helps the Georgian Coast Guard sustain its ability to quickly and efficiently respond to incidents at sea for the benefit and safety of Georgia's citizens and international visitors. The assistance further demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. to Georgia to help it enhance its security while providing for the safety of its citizens.