The Alaska District oversees one of the largest military construction programs in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As the primary design and construction agent for the Army in Alaska, it manages a workload ranging between $125 and $200 million a year at Fort Richardson.
USACE is building the infrastructure necessary to support two major Army initiatives that call for a significant increase in troop strength at Fort Richardson. Army Transformation and Grow the Army are the impetus for realigning and restationing forces to further establish Alaska as a strategic military location on a global basis, officials said.
Currently, 10,500 Soldiers are stationed in Alaska. By 2013, that number is expected to rise to 15,000 with half of these troops assigned to the Army installation in Anchorage.
Even from a seemingly distant outpost like Fort Richardson, the Corps of Engineers s supporting the Global War on Terrorism by building facilities for Soldiers and their families.
New construction projects, as well as major renovation and upgrade projects, are improving the way the Army takes care of its people. For single Soldiers, the standard of today's barracks has been elevated to a level comparable with modern off-post apartments. Meanwhile, innovations in the construction of family housing units have created upscale residential neighborhoods that mirror those in surrounding civilian communities.
By adopting industry standards, codes and best practices, the Alaska District is meeting the growing demand for critical infrastructure with projects that are not only designed better and built faster, but also offer greater aesthetic appeal. These efforts are enhancing the quality of life for America's dedicated warriors, while helping to strengthen overall mission readiness on the "Last Frontier."
When Soldiers have peace-of-mind in knowing that their family members are safe and secure at home station, they can focus on their duties and conduct the important tasks at-hand, officials said.
Many of the Alaska District's projects are technically challenging because of the extreme climate, unique terrain and potential for earthquakes in the Arctic region. However, the Corps is able to apply its expertise in cold regions engineering to overcome such obstacles. As a result, these projects often feature state-of-the-art materials, while incorporating innovative electronic and utility systems.
In Fiscal Year 2007, the Alaska District awarded contracts valued at about $195 million to build seven projects at Fort Richardson. Figures for its military construction program are expected to remain in this range for at least the next three years.
Currently, the Corps is constructing facilities to support the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division (Light) at Fort Richardson. Efforts also involve preparations for the restationing of a maneuver enhancement brigade from Fort Irwin, Calif., in 2010.
Major projects at Fort Richardson include:
Aca,!Ac Troop Medical Clinic: Consists of a 36,390 square-foot healthcare facility with medicine dispensary that is equipped with the latest technology and equipment to handle the medical needs of active-duty Soldiers.
Contract amount: $27.1 million
Contract awarded: May 2007
Notice to proceed: May 2007
Scheduled completion date: January 2009
Aca,!Ac Barracks - 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division:
Accommodates 360 Soldiers in apartment-style quarters. Each room features private sleeping areas and walk-in closets, as well as a shared bathroom and kitchenette. In addition, rooms are wired for telephone, cable and internet access.
Contract amount: $41.8 million
Contract awarded: April 2007
Notice to proceed: May 2007
Scheduled completion date: March 2009
Aca,!Ac Family Housing - Raven Ridge and Kodiak:
Provides whole neighborhood revitalization with the construction of 105 enlisted family quarters. Consists of 70 units for junior noncommissioned officers, featuring 61 three-bedroom and nine five-bedroom homes. The project also includes 35 three-bedroom units for senior noncommissioned officers. It replaces 105 existing units deemed inadequate that will be demolished to provide sites for the construction of 72 units in Raven Ridge and 33 units in the Kodiak housing area. Construction involves variously configured multi-unit, two-story buildings that are factory manufactured and/or conventionally constructed on-site, and built to current housing standards. The project will provide all equipment and appliances for functional living units and will include neighborhood amenities and support infrastructure. Four units will be made easily modifiable to accommodate the requirements of the physically disabled. To date, 85 units have been awarded and 96 units are scheduled for demolition.
Contract amount: $40 million
Contract awarded: May 2007
Notice to proceed: May 2007
Scheduled completion date: July 2009
Aca,!Ac Family Housing - Cottonwood Park:
Provides whole neighborhood revitalization through construction of 57 enlisted family quarters for junior noncommissioned officers (JNCO). Consists of 41 three-bedroom and 16 five-bedroom homes. Replaces inadequate units in the Puffin Park housing area that will be demolished to provide sites for this new project. Construction consists of variously configured multi-unit, two-story buildings that are factory manufactured and/or conventionally constructed on-site to current housing standards. The project will provide all equipment and appliances for functional living units and will include associated neighborhood amenities and support infrastructure. Four units will be made easily modifiable to accommodate the requirements of the physically disabled.
Contract amount: $22.2 million
Contract awarded: March 2007
Notice to proceed: April 2007
Scheduled completion date: January 2009
Aca,!Ac Family Housing - Birch Hill and Moose Haven:
Involves whole neighborhood revitalization of 86 enlisted and officer family quarters constructed in 1959 and 1960. In the Birch Hill neighborhood, 15 units have been selected for renovations. Another 71 units have been chosen for makeovers in the Moose Haven housing area. The project includes demolition of 24 units in Moose Haven to connect a trail system and reduce neighborhood density. Work includes upgrading kitchens; adding family rooms where needed; replacing doors where appropriate; upgrading electrical systems along with fire, health and life safety measures; as well as possible asbestos abatement.
Contract amount: $10.7 million
Contract awarded: March 2007
Notice to proceed: April 2007
Scheduled completion date: January 2009
Aca,!Ac Child Development Center:
Involves construction of a standard design facility that can accommodate 303 children between the ages 0 to 5 years. Features include an outdoor playground, intrusion detection and video surveillance systems, building information systems, energy monitoring and control system, as well as air conditioning.
Contract amount: $10.4 million
Contract awarded: August 2007
Notice to proceed: September 2007
Completion date: March 2009
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