Marines to Get Environmentally Friendly Reserve Center in Maine

From Naval Facilities Engineering Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic awarded an $8 million firm-fixed price contract July 23 to Nutmeg Companies, Inc. of Norwich, Conn., for design and construction of the Marine Corps Reserve Center for A Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine (1/25) 4th Marine Division.

The project includes the design and construction of a specialty constructed weapon's storage area, assembly hall, classrooms, locker and shower rooms, workshops, and electrical and mechanical utilities.

The Reserve Center will be built on land that originally belonged to Naval Air Station Brunswick but has since transferred to the Depart of the Army for use by the Maine Army National Guard and Marine Forces Reserves.

"This project allows the Marines to remain in the state of Maine in their current district," said Project Manager Ansley Marr, NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Northeast Integrated Project Team. Marr adds that the Marines will be able to partner with the Maine Army National Guard for exercises and drills, enhancing the mission of both organizations.

While the original Reserve Center was an older facility adjacent to a local public school and residential neighborhood that did limited force protection measures, the new construction will comply with all applicable Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection (ATFP) guidance for a primary gathering facility. It will include security lighting, paved tactical vehicle parking with perimeter fencing, paved privately owned vehicle parking, and security lighting systems.

Sustainable design will also be integrated into the design, development, and construction of the project.

This includes the use of low/no volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitting materials within the building; a geothermal heating and cooling system; and low impact development-eliminating stormwater runoff to other properties—treating the runoff before it works its way back into the water cycle.

The project will also be designed with high-efficiency lighting features that will reduce electrical demand."This project was a joint effort with the Maine Army National Guard to get the appropriate state of Maine environmental permitting assessments completed," said Marr. "They have truly been a joint partner."

1st Battalion, 25th Marines is a Reserve infantry battalion located throughout New England, consisting of approximately 750 Marines and Sailors. They fall under the 25th Marine Regiment in the 4th Marine Division. The mission of 1/25 4th Marine Division is to provide trained combat and combat support personnel and units to augment and reinforce the active component in time of war, national emergency, and at other times as national security requires.

NAVFAC manages the planning, design, construction, contingency engineering, real estate, environmental, and public works support for U.S. Navy shore facilities around the world, providing the Navy's forces with the operating, expeditionary, support and training bases they need.

Work will be performed in Brunswick, Maine, and is expected to be completed by July 2011.