Lackland Air Force Base, Texas –
Unusually heavy rain and flooding throughout the month in South Texas is taxing Team Lackland in manpower and finances.
Each time a severe thunderstorm, flash flood or tornado warning is issued, the 37th Civil Engineer Squadron scurries into action, diverting work crews to handle weather-related problems.
"We've had several fences all over the base that have been washed out," said Lt. Col. Jeff Knippel, 37th CES commander. "We've made temporary repairs on them and we're gearing up with contracts to go back and do permanent repairs, but we don't want to jump the gun since the storm season is not over yet."
Fence repairs alone are expected to cost more than $100,000, according to Colonel Knippel.
A bridge constructed a year and a half ago at the Lackland Training Annex has also been washed away and is making it more difficult for the dog trainers to reach the northeast area.
In addition, the soggy soil is interfering with routine maintenance. Bulbs cannot be replaced on some light poles on the runway because the ground is too wet for the heavy equipment required to reach the lights.
"And of course with all the rain we have a lot of roof leaks that are popping up all over the place because traditionally, we don't have to deal with this amount of rain," said Colonel Knippel.
The Gillum Fitness Center at Security Hill has been especially impacted. Every heavy downpour has resulted in flooding with 4 to 6 inches of water covering half the gym.
Keeping up with the mowing has become a major challenge for the contractor who had clearly not planned for the amount of rain experienced in June and July. The additional mowing and debris pickup is expected to cost Lackland at least $20,000.
Standing water is contributing to mosquito problems and delaying several construction projects, including the scheduled landscaping at the new Youth Center.
"The weather has definitely increased our workload," said Colonel Knippel. "But in terms of our folks being able to turn around and get things done, they are doing a great job."