The World Bank has agreed to finance a $15-million feasibility study for the proposed Red-to-Dead-Sea Canal project from the southern Jordanian port of Aqaba to the southern end of the Dead Sea. The World Bank is expected to select a team of experts early next year to conduct a study to determine the environmental impact of the 180-kilometer-long series of canals and tunnels. The plan calls for water to be pumped through the system to raise the level of the Dead Sea, which has been evaporating rapidly in the past 20 years as its source water has been diverted. A series of desalination and hydro electric plants also are planned along the proposed route. Initial cost estimates are $3 billion to $4 billion.