U.S. Ambassador to Visit Liepāja on His First Regional Trip

Riga, September 11, 2012

U.S. Embassy Seal

Riga, September 11, 2012. – Tomorrow, September 12th, the new U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, Mark Pekala, will make his first official regional trip to Liepāja. During the visit, Ambassador Pekala will pay a courtesy call on the Mayor of Liepāja, Uldis Sesks, and visit the Port of Liepaja, as well as the American company Interspiro.

Ambassador Pekala will also tour the site of the Liepāja Fire station, which is under renovation in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation and Latvia’s State Fire and Rescue Service. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has carried out renovation of building’s garage – deepened the floor, installed new doors and a roof, as well as installed a specialized ventilation system at the fire station. The total value of the project is $395,000.

As a result of the close cooperation between the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation, Latvia’s State Fire and Rescue Service, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a total of eight fire and rescue stations have been approved and funded by the U.S.’s European Command’s Civic Engagement and Humanitarian Assistance Program. Two contractors were awarded three contracts: Partnership “Koger un Partneri” is working with the State Fire and Rescue Services in Liepāja and Ventspils (contract total value: $626,000), as well as in Līvāni, Ķeipene and Aizkraukle (contract total value $1,000,000). SIA “Ekers” will work with the State Fire and Rescue Services in Strenči, Valka and Gulbene (contract total value: $747,000).

This trip to Liepāja is a part of the Embassy’s regional outreach program. Ambassador Pekala’s Lithuanian grandfather emigrated to the United States from Liepaja, so he chose Liepāja as his first visit. Ambassador Pekala expects to travel widely throughout Latvia during his three-year tenure.

NOTE TO THE EDITOR:

12:00 Visit to Pilot Tower

There will be a press opportunity at the Pilot Tower at noon on September 12. Media representatives who are interested in covering this event should contact the Public Relations Department of the Liepāja City Council at 6 34 04743.