A $61.15 million joint military training facility is to be built in Novo Selo over the next two years. One US company, one Italian and 11 Bulgarian companies will take part in in the biggest construction project organised by the US Dept of Defense in Bulgaria to date, says an official statement from the US Embassy in Sofia as reported by BTA.

Ambassador Nancy McEldowney told BTA:

"This is a great moment for the US-Bulgaria partnership. This project will help co-operation, both bilaterally and as NATO allies. It will enhance joint training and make us more effective in handling the security challenges we face. 

"This massive financial injection into the Sliven area  will provide economic opportunities for many Bulgarian companies and jobs for even more Bulgarians".

The Bulgarian construction companies that have been awarded a slice of contract have complied with US contracting regulations and construction specifications. The selection process was demanding and only the best-qualified companies were short-listed, according to the official statement.

There will be 23 barracks to accommodate 2300 troops, plus administrative, operational, tactical, maintenance, storage, medical and dining facilities are to be installed. The plan is for the construction to begin in November and the project ought to be completed by the summer of 2011.

People qualified to work on the project must go through the recruitment channels provided by the companies themselves, and not through the US embassy.

It is understood that the Italian company allocated part of the project, Sede Secondaria Italiana from Viccenza. The Italian firm is seeking to employ the services of local Bulgarian firms, in particular Dolomit, which is its main partner in the country.

No other Bulgarian firms are confirmed, although it is understood that Moststroi and Holding Putishta have applied for the job.