FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. -- Utility work in the Heritage Park neighborhood will continue throughout the summer, according to the Directorate of Public Works.
Upgrades to neighborhood electric and gas lines, which started in November of last year, are part of the privatization of utilities throughout the installation. Heritage Park, a historic section of the installation, has the oldest infrastructure within Fort Meade housing. Therefore, the area is the first to undergo improvements.
The upgrades include installing individual meters, new electrical wiring and new gas pipes inside the homes. Outside, new transformers and electrical lines will be buried underground to reduce power outages.
"We do experience less outages in the areas that have underground utility lines and we would expect that to continue," said Aimee Stafford, RCI lead operations specialist.
One benefit residents will see once work is complete is a more attractive housing area as a result of the eventual removal of the hanging power lines and a reduction of overhead clutter. In addition, the installation of individual meters in the homes will allow residents to monitor how much energy they are using.
Once work in the Heritage Park neighborhood is complete, other housing areas will follow. The five-year project is progressing as funding becomes available, said Stafford.
The decision as to which housing area will be next is still in the planning stages.
Picerne Military Housing Communications Manager Angela French Marcum says Picerne is working closely with the installation to keep residents informed about the upgrades.
Work on the 4200-area of Heritage Park is scheduled to start in mid-April.
"We appreciate the patience of the residents as we upgrade existing gas and electric lines," said Marcum.
"We know it's inconvenient and an unfortunate growing pain for the improvements, but in the long run it will be worth it," said Stafford.
For more information about the status of upgrades, call RCI at 301-677-7748 or a neighborhood office.
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