Construction gives Aviano new look

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Gregory
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (USAFENS) --  As the Aviano 2000 program works to improve and expand base facilities, community members can expect to see continued road closures and detours.

“There is a lot of utility construction work planned for Area F this year as we start the flightline communications and electrical projects,” said Lt. Col. Ken Polasek, Aviano 2000 Project Manager. “These projects will provide a completely new service and capability to each of these utilities. Over the two year duration of each, the Aviano community will see small road closures, detours and other impacts to individual facilities.”

Designed to support the bed down of two F-16 squadrons, Aviano 2000 was supported by NATO efforts with contributions of $395 million to the Air Force and $12 million to the Italian air force.

“The total Aviano 2000 program includes 174 U.S. projects at an estimated $138 million,” said Colonel Polasek. “These projects were done in the early years of the program and have included the dorms, temporary lodging facilities, movie theater, post office and other quality of life projects.”

The Aviano 2000 program has steadily been making progress, which can be seen in all the new buildings and facilities opening. In 2005 alone, 19 projects were completed including the Integrated Communication Center, the youth activities center and kindergarten. The booming growth of Aviano is expected to continue well into 2006.

“2006 should be another banner year with eight projects for a total of $46 million and another eight projects to be awarded [contracts] for a total of $75 million,” said Colonel Polasek.

One of the new buildings Aviano members can look forward to seeing is the new indoor firing range which is expected to open in the summer as soon as certification for range operations is obtained.

Another big project is the medical treatment facility in Area One, which is also expected to open this summer.

“This is the crown jewel of the Aviano 2000 program and is the single largest project sponsored by NATO,” said Colonel Polasek. “This one is a big add to the community as it will consolidate all the medical care in one location.”