Ongoing construction projects enhance Nellis mission, quality of life Published Sept. 25, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Jacob R. McCarthy Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- From paving the way for mission requirements to addressing quality of life and environmental concerns, Nellis is undergoing more than 50 construction projects at any one time. Nellis' need to meet the dynamic mission of today's warfighter has led to expediting massive construction projects around base. Building aircraft facilities, additional maintenance facilities, renovating existing facilities and maintaining base infrastructure provides Airmen warfighters here the tools they need to accomplish the mission. But it's about more than just the mission; Nellis is committed to its quality-of-life contributions by taking care of the people who get the job done. Led by men and women from the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron, projects are currently in place to add an additional child development center and shoppette in Area III, as well as renovating similar existing facilities to improve customer satisfaction and enhance overall quality of service. The quality-of-life projects underway extend past what Airmen may see every day. Projects are currently underway to address a growing concern about energy and water conservation on base. Energy conservation projects like the photovoltaic solar array in Area III stand to save Nellis roughly $1 million a year on its energy costs, freeing up financial resources to address other areas of concern around the base, such as water conservation. The 99th CES is also integrating approximately 20 acres of drought-tolerant landscaping around the base, conserving an estimated 24 million gallons of water every year, said Frank Wertin, chief engineer with the 99th CES. With all these projects in planning, design or construction phases, Nellis is showing no signs of slowing down. The amount of projects will likely double or triple once fiscal- year spending is complete and future contracts are awarded, said Mr. Wertin.
