RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Team Randolph recently received about $19 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for 20 projects that will upgrade and repair the base's infrastructure.
Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost, 12th Flying Training Wing commander, told local congressmen and other civic officials March 27 that the Recovery Act projects will allow the base to gain efficiency, save energy dollars and would not have been on the fast-track to completion without the funds.
"As you know, Randolph is a storied and historic base we like to refer to as the 'Showplace of the Air Force.' As picturesque as this wonderful base is, it is also a 79-year-old installation in need of some upgrades of roads, roofs, electrical grids and air conditioning systems, among other projects," Colonel Van Ovost said.
The colonel added the Recovery Act -- an effort to jumpstart the American economy, create and save jobs, and build the foundation for long-term economic growth -- includes approximately $7.4 billion in Defense-related appropriations, which accounts for less than 1 percent of the total $787 billion stimulus package signed on Feb. 17 by President Barack Obama.
All projects, which are part of the Recovery Act's approximately one billion dollars of funding for facility sustainment and repairs to improve roofs, utility systems, pavements and operational facilities for Airmen, are expected to be under contract by June with work starting by the end of the year, Colonel Van Ovost said.
She also noted the Randolph infrastructure projects involving electrical switches, lighting and chilled water plant modernization will allow current energy programs and systems to become more efficient and environmentally focused. The funds will also improve current energy generation, transmission, regulation and storage.
The projects, listed by dollar amount budgeted for each, are:
$28,000 Two projects: Hangars 75 and 76 will be re-lamped with new lighting that will allow them to operate with more energy efficiency
$213,000 Bldg. 661 is currently air conditioned by an outdated, non-energy efficient stand-alone source. The project will link this building to a nearby chilled-water system that will be more energy efficient.
$876,000 Two projects replacing old electrical circuits serving the dining facility and surrounding lodging/dormitory buildings.
$292,000 Upgrades old airfield lighting system to current LED displays, while providing energy savings.
$372,000 Replaces old stand-alone temperature system by connecting lodging building to chilled water plant; more efficient cooling and an energy-saver.
$414,000 Replace transformers and switches at the flight simulator facility.
$531,000 Replace roof on the 12th MX facility.
$531,000 Replaces natural gas pipeline on Harmon Drive to correct problems with the existing line.
$584,000 Replaces the diesel pumps that supply firefighting foam.
$691,000 Roof replacement at the 562nd FTS facility.
$744,000 Fixes road damaged by commercial traffic and allows for less congestion in area of commercial vehicle inspection and entry point to RAFB at the South Gate.
$846,000 Repairs other roofs throughout the base.
$748,000 Connects the Taj Mahal to the chilled water network for energy efficiency.
$903,000 Repairs the pavements on J and 5th Streets.
$956,000 Repair and replace roof at the Air Force Personnel Center complex.
$1,700,000 Repair H Street pavement.
$2,763,000 Modernizes and interconnects RAFB's east and west switching stations.
$3,082,000 Provides upgrade by creating a backup for the chilled water circuit and making it more energy-efficient.
"We are excited about the quality of life these improvements will provide to the Airmen and their families who live and work on the base," Colonel Van Ovost added, "as well as for the economic stimulus the work will provide to area contractors and businesses who will perform the work once contracts are awarded."