DVIDS – News – USACE, 81st Readiness Division breaks floor on first U.S. Army Reserve tools focus web site in Florida

The U.S. Army Reserve 81st Readiness Division, in coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the brand new Gear Focus Website in Gainesville, Florida, July 14, 2022.

This would be the first U.S. Army Reserve tools focus web site within the state of Florida and can assist remove the necessity for some Army Reserve items to journey greater than 600 miles to neighboring states to retailer or draw tools.

The Louisville District awarded the $33.1 million contract final fall. The development challenge features a 45,694 sq. foot Tactical Gear Upkeep Facility, also called TEMF, and the alteration of a 26,642 sq. foot storage constructing whereas including an extra 4,300 sq. toes to the present constructing. The positioning can even embody a 161,650 sq. yard navy tools parking space.

Moreover, supporting amenities will embody land clearing, paving, aprons, fencing, wash rack, bi-level tools loading ramps, normal web site enhancements and utility connections. The challenge will probably be People with Disabilities Act compliant and can meet Anti-terrorism Pressure Safety and bodily safety measures. Sustainability and Vitality measures can even be supplied.

“The Corps of Engineers works diligently to strengthen our nation’s safety by constructing and sustaining America’s infrastructures and offering navy amenities, like this, the place our service members practice,” mentioned Consultant Yvonne Hayes Hinson, Florida Home of Representatives. “It is a massive challenge and an vital one. I’ve little question the numerous workforce members will be capable to full it and have little question that this will probably be a facility that enriches our neighborhood, our nation and our world for years to return.”

Different audio system on the occasion included Brig. Gen. Bob Krumm, commanding normal of the U.S. Army Reserve 81st Readiness Division, Senator Warren ‘Keith’ Perry, Florida Senate, and Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler, Alachua County Commissioner.

Based on the 81st Readiness Division, Army Reserve items within the state of Florida depend on ECS amenities in different states, at occasions touring distances over 600 miles to attract tools for coaching functions. A Florida ECS/TEMP will alleviate overcrowding at different ECS’s within the southeast area of the U.S. ECS’s by design are stationed on navy installations that may assist unit coaching workouts to incorporate annual coaching, WAREX, mission coaching for mobilizing and or re-deploying AR items. This Florida ECS will probably be a standalone mannequin outdoors of any navy installations.

The challenge is scheduled to be full in 2024.