Fort Benning Garrison Commander, Col. Colin P. Mahle and the honorable Fred Copeland Jr., Mayor of Smiths Station, display the proclamation for the Intergovernmental Service Agreement for stormwater management services during a signing ceremony at Fort Benning, Ga., Dec. 1.

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Benning leaders and the City of Smiths Station officials formally entered a community partnership December 1 for stormwater management services at Fort Benning, Georgia.

During the signing ceremony, Col. Colin P. Mahle, garrison commander, Fort Benning, and the honorable Fred Copeland Jr., Mayor of Smiths Station, signed a proclamation for the Intergovernmental Support Agreement. Beginning in December, the IGSA will provide maintenance support services to proactively assess, maintain, repair, and modernize stormwater infrastructure across the installation.

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Benning leaders and City of Smiths Station officials pose for a photo during the IGSA signing ceremony at Fort Benning, Ga., Dec. 1.

“The Intergovernmental Support Agreement or IGSA model has been successful across the Army and has been a great tool to work with surrounding communities to create mutually beneficial partnerships,” said Col. Mahle. “We have a great history and documented success in partnering with our surrounding communities.”

The IGSA allows Fort Benning to partner with personnel and subject matter experts from the City of Smiths Station for the next 10 years at a significant cost savings for Fort Benning.

Mahle continues, “This IGSA expands and strengthens one of those partnerships. We look forward to working together as we continue to build resiliency on the installation and in our communities.”

Fort Benning Garrison Commander, Col. Colin P. Mahle, left, Elizabeth Guzman, Fort Benning garrison Plans, Analysis, and Integration Office, installation IGSA manager, second from left, Angela Gonzalez, Management and Program Analyst, Plans Analysis, and Integration Office, second from right and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael D. Sanchez Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Fort Benning pose for a photo during the IGSA signing ceremony at Fort Benning, Ga., Dec. 1.

Military services are authorized by legislative Title 10 to U.S. Code 2679 to enter IGSAs on a sole-source basis for installation services – if they best serve enhancing mission effectiveness by creating efficiencies or economies of scale and reducing costs. Using an IGSA is a cost-effective means for Fort Benning Garrison to acquire goods and services.

“This marks the second IGSA agreement reached between Fort Benning and the City of Smiths Station utilizing our operations partner to meet the needs on post. Today is a historic one for both entities and I am excited to see the relationship between us continue to flourish and prosper well into the future," said Copeland.

Brandon Cockrell, deputy garrison commander of Fort Benning, left, the honorable Fred Copeland Jr., Mayor of Smiths Station, second from left, Fort Benning Garrison Commander, Col. Colin P. Mahle, second from right, and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael D. Sanchez Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Fort Benning pose for a photo during the IGSA signing ceremony at Fort Benning, Ga., Dec. 1.

The IGSA partnership will involve the survey and mapping of all stormwater conveyance and structures; completing a risk analysis; the repair and modernization of stormwater systems and networks; and keeping up with environmental compliance.

Other services provided by the IGSA include trained certified personnel, equipment, supplies, tools, and transportation necessary to perform the services as defined in the performance work statement.

Angela Gonzalez, Management and Program Analyst, Plans Analysis, and Integration Office, left, Fort Benning Garrison Executive Officer Maj. Crystal Rorebeck, center, and Elizabeth Guzman Fort Benning garrison Plans, Analysis, and Integration Office, installation IGSA manager pose for a photo during the IGSA signing ceremony at Fort Benning, Ga., Dec. 1.

Additionally, Fort Benning will benefit from the latest technology and modeling software capabilities in providing a comprehensive risk analysis and capital improvement plan that will enable proactive management, budgeting, and modernization of its stormwater infrastructure.

U.S. Army Garrison Fort Benning supports mission readiness execution, provides for the well-being of Soldiers, civilians, retirees, and their Families, improves infrastructure, and preserves the environment through the equitable and effective distribution of installation services.