Spangdahlem 2015 plan becoming reality

  • Published
  • 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --  Just a few short months ago, Spangdahlem's 2015 Plan was in jeopardy with cuts to Military Construction budgets that would kick the plan further into the future. This has been a common theme since the planning for the complete closure of Bitburg Annex and transition to Spangdahlem began in 1997.

Since then, the 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron has remained steadfast and focused, despite fiscal setbacks. Fortunately, fiscal barriers are beginning to fall and during the past few months, the program has solidified.

In the near future, the area between the autobahn and main gate along the L-46 will be a flurry of construction activity for at least the next four years. This area, known as the Northwest Expansion, is 139 acres and will enable expansion to accommodate vital wing functions, currently located at Bitburg Annex.

The Northwest Expansion will be home to six major construction projects worth nearly $172 million. These projects include infrastructure, such as roads, drainage, water, etc.; a fitness center, base exchange, middle and high schools; and a new entrance road to the main gate. The new entrance road, funded by the German government, will run parallel to the L-46 for 1 kilometer and provide queuing space to prevent traffic jams for our host nation neighbors on the L-46.

One of the most important updates is Department of Defense Dependents Schools has committed to construct a new high school and middle school, as well as expand and renovate Spangdahlem Elementary School beginning in 2012. This $117 million endeavor is a lynchpin in the Bitburg Annex closure process and will enable all school activities to be conducted at Spangdahlem by the 2014 school year.

Presently, a new commissary is the only project that will not be completed before the 2015 goal. The funding for this project is currently projected for 2014, which puts the completion date sometime in 2016. U.S. Air Forces in Europe has engaged with Headquarters Air Force and requested project funding sooner, so Bitburg Annex can be completely closed by 2015.

When all is completed, more than $325 million will have been invested in Spangdahlem's northern area since 2006. The projects not previously mentioned are 139 townhomes, a new medical clinic, a child development center and a traffic circle near the shoppette.

We are not there yet, but Spangdahlem's 2015 program is a testament to foresight, planning, consistency, dedication and commitment to base realignment, mission focus and quality of life.