Breaking Ground at the Detroit Arsenal

By Lori Grein, USAG-Detroit Arsenal Public AffairsMay 22, 2009

Breaking Ground at the Detroit Arsenal
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

DETROIT ARSENAL, Mi. - Symbolizing the commencement of new construction and renovation on the Detroit Arsenal, MG Scott G. West, Commander, U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Monday, May 18, 2009.

U.S. Senator Carl Levin, Congressman Sander Levin, COL Keith Landry, Louisville District Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineer joined MG West and Ms. Brenda Lee McCullough, Garrison Manager, for the festivities.

Arriving on a Stryker armored personnel carrier, Warfighters from Alpha Company 1/125 Infantry of the Michigan National Guard along with the NCO of the Year, SSG Robert E. Ankobea-Ansah, opened the celebration by deploying from the rear of the vehicle and securing the excavation site. Soldiers, Families, Veterans, Civilians, and community representatives applauded as the official party simultaneously unearthed the ground with ceremonial shovels.

1,251 new positions will be relocating to the Detroit Arsenal as a result of the 2005 Base Re-alignment and Closure directives issued by Congress.

In order to accommodate the Army's restructuring initiatives, three significant construction projects are scheduled - the TACOM LCMC administration building, the parking structure, and the renovation and new construction of the Weapons Maintenance and Operations Building. The administration building will house 1,100 personnel and the parking structure adds 1,800 stalls.

Benefits of the $200M project include boosting the economy for Michigan laborers, modernizing the infrastructure to attract new, talented professionals, improving operating efficiency, and providing an appealing and exciting place to work.

Senator Carl Levin described the Detroit Arsenal as a "warm, embracing community" and confirmed that the groundbreaking strengthens relationships between the military and the public. He addressed the crowd stating that "a community divided over a war is united by support for our troops."

MG West and Ms. McCullough are dedicated to supporting the efforts which sustain the Army's warfighting capabilities. The new construction demonstrates their commitment to executing the Army's mission and improving the safety and quality of life for Detroit Arsenal employees, now and in the future.