Construction projects improve quality of life

By Staff Sgt. Alesia D. Goosic, courtesy of 18th Wing Public Affairs

More than 130 projects are under construction this year to improve quality of life and meet aging infrastructure needs.

            Kadena Air Base officials hope the projects, worth approximately $921 million, will make the base a better place to live, work and play.

            “The overall goal of these projects is to support the power-projection platform, increase quality of life, eliminate safety and health deficiencies and improve our aging infrastructure,” said Lt. Col. Ann Birchard, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron commander.

            Some of the smaller projects include painting, renovating and modernizing restrooms, repairing roofs and updating lighting. Small repair projects such as these are usually completed in a short amount of time and improve the quality of life for the individuals working or living in the buildings being revamped.

            With some facilities here more than 50 years old and the budget not always supporting large construction projects, maintaining and updating the facilities currently in place is crucial.

            Birchard said it is imperative that facilities are maintained well with the limited amount of funds allotted for construction and maintenance. “A simple repair project may increase the life span of a building until we can get funds to cover a total renovation,” she said.

            Large renovation projects typically take considerably more time, but the benefits of such projects are paramount. One large renovation project currently underway is the housing improvement project for military family housing.

            “This takes single family homes, multiplex homes and even the towers and upgrades them,” said Birchard. “The scope includes increasing square footage, upgrading the finishes and overall improving the quality of life.”

 These housing renovations will cost approximately $3 million and although the entire project won’t be completed until 2015, individual homes may be occupied as they are completed.

 No matter how large or small, every construction project is in place to support the mission of Kadena and the daily lives of its airmen and families in some way.

            “The benefits of these projects are numerous,” Birchard said. “Whether it’s where you work, where you play, or where you live – these projects will improve the way you do business, the way you enjoy your free time, or the way you live.”