The World Bank has invited global companies to bid for a feasibility study to examine environmental and social impacts of the US$5 billion Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance project on Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. ‘The overall objective of the $15.5-million study is to evaluate the conveyance of water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea as a way to address environmental degradation of the Dead Sea region,’ according to the project's statement. The firm that wins the bid will also be required to examine the possibility of seawater desalination and energy production. The World Bank said the winning company should submit its report within two years.

Source: World Bank Press Review, 6 Apr 2007