Most post projects are on schedule

By Charmain Z. Brackett| Correspondent

Although one of the most visible construction projects at Fort Gordon has been slowed, many projects are in full swing and others are scheduled to begin soon.

Flashing signs on Chamberlain Avenue advised motorists to be prepared for traffic delays beginning Dec. 10 for construction at the intersection of East Hospital Road and Chamberlain.

The construction would widen Chamberlain from four lanes to five and expand East Hospital Road from three lanes to four.

Utilities issues have caused some construction delays, said Marla Jones, a Fort Gordon spokeswoman. Post officials and the road construction contractor were scheduled to meet this week to discuss the project.

Though the road construction has been slowed, other projects are reaching completion.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $4.5 million law enforcement center at Rice Road and Lane Avenue is targeted for early February, Ms. Jones said. Construction began last February and was to be completed last month; however, there is still work to be done on the building.

A few other construction projects fall under the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation command and non-appropriated funding arms.

Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, which recently changed its name from the Directorate of Morale, Welfare and Recreation, offers programming, including Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre, Hilltop Riding Stables and the Gordon Lanes Bowling Center, according to Jim Greene, its director.

Several projects will be funded through the command, he said. A $1.8 million overhaul of the Initial Entry Training Soldier Recreation Center will begin within the next few months.

The center is for soldiers who come to Fort Gordon for their next level of training after basic. It will offer an Internet cafe and have video games and other recreational opportunities.

"It's very, very important to me to make a great first impression" on new soldiers, Mr. Greene said. "We want them to have a great experience. They've had limited exposure to the Army. We want to put our best foot forward."

The command is also responsible for supporting a new initiative called the Soldier and Family Assistance Center for families of wounded soldiers.

The center provides a one-stop location for families to find help with lodging, transportation, child care and other services.

A 3,000-square-foot building to house the center's staff is scheduled for completion by the end of March.

Most of the 14-member staff have been on the job for only a few days, according to Kent Brickman, who took over as the center director Jan. 2.

Also under Mr. Greene's office is the Pointes West Recreation Area at Thurmond Lake.

Several projects are under way there, including the construction of cabins and boat sheds.

 

From the Thursday, January 10, 2008 edition of the Augusta Chronicle