HEIDELBERG, Germany -- The Heidelberg garrison received nearly $30 million for additional critical repair projects in September for projects that will greatly enhance quality of life in Heidelberg and Germersheim.

The newly funded projects include floor repairs at the Patton and Campbell Fitness Centers, a new maintenance facility at the golf course, total renovation of the Patrick Henry Village Veterinary Clinic, installation of additional force protection measures and extensive housing repairs, according to Directorate of Public Works Engineering Division Chief Rich Glass.

There are more than 20 projects in Germersheim, 14 projects in Mark Twain Village, 14 projects in Nachrichten Kaserne, and 50 projects in Patrick Henry Village, said Glass.

"We want the community to know that being a non-enduring community doesn't mean we've been forgotten or we don't continue to do everything in our power to make Heidelberg a great place to live and work," said Lt. Col. Robert White, U.S. Army Garrison Heidelberg commander. "This garrison is always prepared to accept and execute funding, especially end-of-year funding, for projects that have been reviewed, scoped and approved. High on our list are force protection and Army Family Housing projects, for which we obtained over $20 million alone."

Glass said his staff worked closely with the customers, Resource Management and Contracting Command to posture Heidelberg for success.

"We took full advantage of every opportunity and have crafted together an aggressive and effective program that will serve the residents of this community for years to come," he said.

Nearly every Army Family Housing unit will see some type of improvement. The housing projects include exterior painting, super vacant quarters, fire alarm repairs, waterline and heating system upgrades, and stairwell upgrades.

"We are also waiting for construction to begin for the Village Pavilion stage platform replacement, the handicap access to the PHV Chapel and Phase 3 of the plaza upgrade," Glass said. "We expect the platform and access to begin in the next 30-60 days and the plaza to be in the summer 2010."

By using the funds to improve Army Family Housing and quality-of-life facilities as well as improve infrastructure, according to White, the garrison is addressing two pillars of the Army Family Covenant - improving Soldier and family housing as well as family programs and services.

Facilities on Nachrichten Kaserne also will undergo repairs and upgrades, thanks to a partnership with the Army Medical Command.

"The MEDCOM folks really stepped up to fund those facilities," Glass said. "We deeply appreciate them coming to the table and providing their resources. Their command looked out for them and deserves kudos."

The Nachrichten projects will include air conditioning, dining facility upgrades, clinic repairs and administrative upgrades. In addition, the gym roof will be strengthened to allow it to reopen for full use.

"We are also waiting for the low bid and construction award for Wilson Theater," Glass added. "We expect that to arrive in the next 30-60 days with construction to start right around the new calendar year."

In addition to the facility upgrades throughout the installations, the Heidelberg garrison took this funding opportunity to invest in alternative energy and other environmental programs.

Projects included in the funding will install solar voltaic panels, underground storage tanks and hazardous waste collection points in Germersheim, hazardous material storage points at the golf course in Oftersheim, sewer and water supply line repairs throughout, road repairs on Mark Twain and Patrick Henry Villages, and higher efficiency electrical transformers. All of the repair projects will include the newest energy efficient components and higher insulation values.

As always, the garrison will continue to improve its force protection posture. A new "smart" pedestrian gate will be installed at Kilbourne Kaserne in Schwetzingen; additional bollards and barriers will be installed at the airfield, commissary and Heidelberg High School exit gates; and the camera system improved in selected areas.

"The (anti-terror/force protection) folks were very successful in obtaining additional security funds," Glass said. "In a matter of about 48 hours, they put together a bunch of projects and received the funds. As a result, we'll see these improvements and enhancements completed before the end of second quarter.

"We are also waiting for the low bid and construction award for the Patton Barracks gate realignment, varies IDS and camera upgrades and numerous lighting enhancements. We expect those in the next 30-60 days with construction to start in the new calendar year."

As of the Sept. 30, for fiscal year 2009, the garrison received more than $28.5 million in project funding.

"It's a great year to be an engineer," Glass said. "The true joy and satisfaction will come when these projects are completed, and the residents, employees and visitors to Heidelberg are enjoying the improvements.