The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District participated in a groundbreaking ceremony to officially kick off construction of the new main gate complex at Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna, Ohio, April 23, 2024.
A group of distinguished guests representing the 910th Airlift Wing, USACE, JobsOhio, Youngstown Air Reserve Station community partners, and the building contractors attended the event.
The main gate relocation is a military construction, or MILCON, project totaling approximately $11 million. The contract for the project was awarded in September 2023, and the acquisition of the property needed for the project marked the first time since 1958 that the footprint of the installation has increased, according to 910th AW historical records.
The Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission, JobsOhio, and the Western Reserve Port Authority teamed with USACE to make the property purchase possible.
“This project faced lots of challenges as the property had to be acquired and sold to the Air Force, which meant the design work for the project was paused until we had a green light to proceed. That, along with other challenges, meant we were awarding this military construction project on a tenacious deadline, so project funds didn't expire,” said Carolyn Russell, Louisville District project manager. “It took teamwork, dedication, tenacity, dedication, commitment, and lots of blood, sweat and tears to bring this MILCON to award! Hooah!”
The new main gate complex will employ state-of-the-art facilities and technology to enhance force protection and anti-terrorism capabilities for the personnel assigned to Youngstown Air Reserve Station.
USACE Louisville District will oversee the project through completion then hand the new main gate complex over to the Air Force Reserve for occupancy and use. Currently, the delivery of the project is scheduled for August 2025.
“We will work collectively to meet this goal while safely meeting the needs and requirements of the Air Force Reserves,” said Cristie Mitchell, Louisville District Planning, Programs and Project Management deputy chief. “I am confident that, through a spirit of cooperation and teamwork, we will overcome any challenges that come our way as we successfully deliver this project.”