Growth of the base

  • Published
  • By Capt. Genieve David
  • Minot AFB Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Minot Air Force Base will be adding an additional $30 million in construction dollars for 2013 to the more than $78 million active construction already taking place.

During the January Minot Military Affairs Committee meeting, Lt. Col. Douglas Gilpin, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, reported on several construction projects currently underway.

The base airfield has undergone several upgrades over the years. This year, Gilpin projects 2,000 feet of the southeast portion of the runway will be repaired.

A $16.3 million nine-story control tower and cab with a consolidated facility to house airfield operations will continue to be constructed. Currently the project is more than 50 percent complete and has an estimated completion date this spring or summer.

The base will be adding yet another dormitory building to its books. The $17.8 million project will provide a safe and comfortable living environment for junior Airmen stationed at the base. The building is almost 40 percent complete and is estimated to be finished this fall.

Lastly, a $32.1 million B-52 two-bay phase maintenance dock is now under construction. This bay is critical for the year round maintenance of the aircraft. It will allow maintainers to enclose two B-52H Stratofortresses for upkeep. The dock is in the initial construction phase and is anticipated to be completed toward the end of 2014.