Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded a $7.4 million contract, Sept. 17, to Atlantic Contingency Constructors L.L.C., of Norfolk, Va. for repairs at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans, La. after damages sustained from Hurricane Isaac.
“As an installation, we try to prepare for the worst and hope for the best when a hurricane threatens, but every storm is different,” said Capt. Jack Hill , NAS JRB New Orleans commanding officer. “Now that the storm has passed, an evaluation of our post-hurricane situation is complete and initial remediation actions are ongoing.”
“During the first days and week following the storm, PWD (Public Works Department) employees and members of the Contingency Engineering Response Team, out of Jacksonville, Fla. provided immediate response evaluating at all of our facilities,” said Lt. Cmdr. Griffin Stauffer , NAS JRB New Orleans public works officer.
The hurricane moved very slowly over the New Orleans area subjecting the buildings to several days of rain and high winds. Damage to the buildings consisted primarily of water intrusion through wind-driven rain. The buildings at NAS JRB New Orleans are built-up with positive drainage away from the buildings so no buildings suffered from flooding due to rising water.
Some building exteriors were damaged finding broken windows, missing downspouts, gutters, shingles, soffits, fascia and ventilation fan covers. There was roof damage, particularly to some of the older roofs.
Damage to the interiors of the buildings consisted of soaked ceiling tiles, insulation, walls, and wet carpets and floors.
This contract will provide for the construction phase of Hurricane Isaac recovery efforts to repair buildings damaged by Hurricane Isaac. The goal is to bring the facilities back to pre-storm condition.
“The award of this contract is the next step towards final repairs,” said Hill. “Over the next few months restoration will be based on mission priorities.”
“I appreciate and commend NAVFAC, including our own NAS JRB Public Works Department, for their prompt and proactive actions before, during, and after the storm. Everyone is already looking forward to things getting back to normal as soon as possible and this is a big move in that direction,” said Hill.
The work is expected to be completed by, December 2012.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, September 24, 2012