Announcement of the Signing of a Contract for a Comprehensive Study of Transportation in Ecuador on February 2, 1963

: II HOLD : FOR . RELEASE . . WORLD • 1818 H S'fREET, N.W., WASHINGTON 251 D. C. LOPfvIENT TELEPHONE: EXECUTIVE 3-6360 ,,----------------------------------------~"'""" For Release A.M. Newspapers SUBJECT: Transport Survey Saturday, February 2, 1963 in Ecuador The Government of Ecuador and the World Bank today announced the signing~ by the Government, of a contract with a consulting firm for a comprehensive study of transportation in Ecuador. The World Bank has agreed to assist the study with a contribut.ion of J4. U.S.$340,000 to pay the foreign exchange costs. The Government will bear those expenses which· are to be paid in Ecuadorian sucres . With the concurrence of the World Bank, the consulting firm of Parsons, B~inckerhoff, QUade & Douglas of New York City, which recently completed a similar study in Colombia, has been re·tained by the Government to carry out the Ecuadorian survey. The consultants will recommend an 11-year program of investment in trunk and feeder roads, ports, inland waterways, coastal shipping and air transporta- tion and they will prepare a preliminary feasibility report on the Government's proposal to construct additional pipeline facilities from the coast to the Sierra. They will also review the operations and financial status of the railways, and appraise the eJdsting studies on the proposal for a bridge over the Guayas River near Guayaquil. The consulting firm will send a group of about 15 engineers, economists and transport specialists to Ecuador for varying periods. The interested Government • and autonomous agencies will furnish Ecuadorian counterpart personnel who will assist the study. A Steering Committee, consisting of representatives of the Government and the world Bank, will be established to provide a meaus of co- ordination between the 'Study grou.p) the Go..1ernment and the Bank. The sti'1.ly is expected to require from six -co eight mont11s.