Los Angeles District Commander Col. Julie Balten led a team of the United States Army Corps of Engineers to survey several military and civil engineering project sites in Arizona March 14-17.
During the visit, the district met with Arizona military commanders and city leaders to discuss future projects and facilitate the district’s engineering and construction capabilities for future projects.
“The Los Angeles area is dedicated to providing safe, high-quality projects to our partners and stakeholders in Arizona,” Barten said. “This includes visiting military commanders and city officials to understand their future needs. We are committed to supporting their engineering and construction needs.”
LA District supports the public and military of Arizona with a variety of projects and planning, engineering, construction, and environmental services. Projects include flood risk management, navigation, recreation, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship.
Fort Huachuca
The site visit began in Sierra Vista, Arizona. Barten and Fort Colonel Johnny Ives, commander of his Huachuca Garrison, discussed current and future construction projects regarding the installation. The Colonel also discussed keeping the project in a safe environment.
“Safe delivery of quality projects is our number one priority,” said Balten.
The district team also met with the Fort Huachuca Public Works Authority. His one of the projects discussed, the Ground Transportation Equipment Building, will create additional vehicle storage at the facility.
According to the Fort Huachuca Army website, the facility is the largest employer in Cochise County and the largest (single) economic contributor in Arizona. According to the Arizona Department of Commerce website, Fort Huachuca brings Arizona $2.4 billion in economic value annually.
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
After leaving Fort Huachuca, Barten and the Corps team joined 355th Mission Support Group Air Force Commander Col. Casey Bartholomew and his engineering and construction experts in a future partnership at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson. discussed the possibility of
“The purpose of meeting with military commanders is to understand what their future programs and projects will be,” Barten said. “The more we know and understand our stakeholders’ plans and future needs, the better prepared our districts will be to support their programs.”
The district has a field office (Tucson Resident Office) located at its base, providing management and quality assurance oversight for 12 ongoing construction projects. Of these 12 projects, seven are located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and support various U.S. Air Force units.
“The USACE construction programs in Tucson and southern Arizona are essential in providing modern facilities and infrastructure that support our nation’s defense and homeland security,” said the LA district area of the Tucson Representative Office. Engineer Richard Fontanilla said.
The total contract value for these projects is approximately $70.7 million.
Flagstaff Rio Defrag
Two days and 250 miles later, Barten and the Corps team met with City of Flagstaff leaders to discuss the Rio de Flag Flood Risk Management Project.
“It will help save our homes and businesses,” Flagstaff emergency management director Stacey Brechler-Naggs said at a fall meeting with Corps representatives and city leaders. “It can save our entire economy — our downtown corridors, our hotels, our restaurants, our community hospitals.”
After severe fires, the city and surrounding areas are being flooded by tributaries of the Rio de Flag and Clay Avenue Wash rivers. The project plan consists of channel modification, bridge strengthening, and construction of a reservoir and flood barrier.
“Colonel Balten was a great leader for this whole project,” said Bob Holmes, consultant for the City of Flagstaff. “I would like to thank the entire team at Legion for their dedication and expertise in helping us deliver this project in a timely and efficient manner and within budget.”
The LA District has been allocated $79 million in federal funding for the Rio de Flag project and is expected to award the first construction contract for Lower Rio de Flag and Clay Avenue Wash Reach in 2023.
For more information on LA District programs and projects, visit www.spl.usace.army.mil.
