CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
There are several construction projects on Charleston AFB that will give the residents more room and the base a newer look.
One of the major projects being undertaken on the base is the Repair Family Housing Project Phase IV, which is estimated to cost $16.9 million.
This is a complete facelift of the main base and Hunley Park housing infrastructure, said William Dean, 437th Civil Engineer Squadron engineering flight chief. The project will include new water and sewer lines, roads, grounds and retaining walls along the Hunley Park drainage basin.
Some of the backyards in Hunley Park were experiencing erosion caused by stormwater runoff Mr. Dean said. To stabilize the backyards and prevent further erosion, concrete block retaining walls were installed in affected yards. The project also includes construction of new senior officer quarters.
The housing project is 85 percent complete with an estimated completion date of March 2008.
Other ongoing or just approved construction on base:
· The construction of the base theater is completed and it will re-open Wednesday.
· The total renovation of building 201, where, after completion, the 437th Operations Group will call home. The total cost for the construction will be $3.6 million and is scheduled for completion by spring 2008.
· The demolition of dormitories 475, 477, the steam plant and temporary living facilities in buildings 1784, 1785, 1788 and 1790, with a total estimated cost of more than $1 million. Getting rid of these old facilities will help improve base appearance.
· The 437 CES is awaiting approval from the South Carolina Department of Transportation to start a project that will expand the out-going lanes of the Dorchester gate to include a double right turning lane. The engineers are looking at just reconfiguring the current layout of the lanes. If there is not sufficient room for the proposed plan, the engineers will work with the S.C. DOT to expand the area to accommodate the proposed traffic plan. The project will also address some minor deficiencies in the original design and alleviate some maintenance issues with the traffic barriers.