Photo By Sgt. Beyonka Joseph | Construction employees work a the restoration project at the new Joint Forces...... read more read more
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By Sgt. Michael L. Owens and Sgt. Beyonka D. Joseph
Louisiana Army National Guard
NEW ORLEANS – A massive reconstruction of the historic Louisiana National Guard headquarters in New Orleans is underway and inching closer to its projected completion date of January 2010. Jackson Barracks, built in the mid-1830's, was heavily damaged with flood waters after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area three years ago.
"This project costs approximately $200 million," said Lt. Col. Danny P. Bordelon, commander of the 527th Engineer Battalion, who is in charge of all LANG construction projects south of Baton Rouge, La. "Since there are 16 buildings under six different contracts, it will allow the construction to be completed faster," he added.
"Once the project is completed, about 700 Guardsmen will work here full-time and an additional 3,500 Soldiers and Airmen will drill here on weekends," said Maj. Gen. Hunt B. Downer, LANG assistant adjutant general. "The increase in personnel will have almost a $110 million impact on the economy in this area," added the two-star general.
"With the progress that we are making, I am confident that this project will be completed on time or maybe ahead of our deadline," said Ronald P. Dufore, a project superintendent for Gibbs Construction.
Some of these buildings will serve as new offices for Joint Forces Headquarters and the historic 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment. Most of the units that will relocate to Jackson Barracks are currently working from other LANG armories around the state.
Though most of the buildings are standing tall, tasks such as the installation of sod, concrete walks and the buildings' interiors are being finalized.
"Since New Orleans is my hometown, it will be awesome to be closer to my family," said 1st Lt. Lance T. Cagnolatti, whose job was relocated to Carville, La., after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. "I cannot wait to see the impact that Jackson Barracks will have on the economy and the creation of new jobs," he added.
Jackson Barracks is located in the Lower 9th Ward at the Orleans/St. Bernard Parish line and is the headquarters for LANG and the Louisiana Military Department. The installation, which will include new up-to-date multi-purpose readiness centers, has the largest collection of pre-Civil War buildings in the U.S. and was originally a supply and medical point for Troops after the War of 1812. Originally known as New Orleans Barracks, it was renamed in 1866 in honor of Andrew Jackson, who first advocated a U.S. military base in the area.
| Date Taken: | 01.06.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.06.2009 16:30 |
| Story ID: | 28523 |
| Location: | NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 158 |
| Downloads: | 137 |
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