FORT BLISS, Texas -- Vice President Joe Biden released a report called "100 Recovery Act Projects that are changing America," Sept. 17 that lists Fort Bliss' $51 million Warrior Transition Barracks as the number one example of successful projects born out of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The barracks is one of nine Army construction projects funded by the act, otherwise known as the Stimulus Package.
The WTB complex at Bliss, which broke ground Oct. 16, 2009, will offer 185,000 square feet for 116 living units, a headquarters and family support center. The structures will house servicemembers who no longer require hospital care but still need a healing environment in which to rehabilitate from injuries. Their families will also be able to live with them.
"This project features a state-of-the-art building complex that will assist Soldiers and family members in their recovery efforts," said Col. Christopher W. Martin, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers' Fort Worth District.
The Recovery Act initiative won't only benefit Americans as they support healing servicemembers, but also has had an immediate economic impact on the El Paso, Texas, community and beyond as almost 250 jobs have been created as a result of this project.
In May 2009, after his company was awarded a predominant amount of the stimulus-grown contract, Tom Mertz, vice president of Sundt Construction's Federal Division, said because of the type of quality care that will be administered at the WTB complex, he and his fellow employees remain exceptionally dedicated to the project.
"[WTBs] are a new breed of facilities within the military hierarchy of structures and facilities," said Mertz. "There are so many improvements in treatment for battlefield trauma, including rehabilitation for brain trauma or head injuries. We are honored to be a part of building this facility".
FPM Remediations of Rome, N.Y., also was awarded the Bliss WTB contract and plays a dedicated role in the successful completion of the project.
U.S. Army
