Project activity completion report for power barge `Impedance' (999-5006) and related project (999-0004)

Army power barge Impedance available to meet the emergency power requirements of the Dominican Republic. The barge did not operate at full capacity for much of the time it was in the Dominican Republic. This was due to a series of problems, including damage to its hull, a fire in one of its smokestacks, and chronic fuel and supply shortages. Moreover, the presence of the barge may have allowed the Government of the Dominican Republic (GODR) to postpone dealing with the problem of insufficient electrical generating capacity and the country's long-term electrical power needs. Although it was intended that power plants would be repaired and constructed during the project period, the country continues to fall short of meeting power demands. Other problems occurred with the Dominican personnel assigned to the barge. Staff levels were insufficient for proper maintenance and operations, and union members working on the barge held strong anti-American sentiments which posed a security concern to the U.S. Army staff. Despite these shortcomings, the barge served an important symbolic purpose by reflecting the U.S. commitment to helping the GODR overcome its energy crisis. For example, the U.S. Ambassador requested that the barge not be removed until after the May 1990 elections because the opposition parties were expected to make electrical energy into a major election issue. In addition, the project facilitated the transfer of technical training to the Dominican staff assigned to the barge.