Grissom breaks ground on new $5 million construction project Published Oct. 17, 2006 By Lt. Col. Gary Lockard 434 ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind -- With the flick of a wrist and the turning of dirt, Grissom ARB officials marked the start of a new $5 million construction project at the base. The project is slated for completion in January 2008 . The current Radar Approach Control Facility was built in the 1960s and is located off-base in the Grissom Aeroplex. The new facility will be built within the confines of Grissom ARB. The cost of the project includes not only a Radar Approach Control Facility but also parking, underground electrical service, water, gas, sanitary sewers, security system and an access road. David Construction Inc., of Louisville, Ken., is the primary contractor with Huston Electric of Kokomo, Ind., and Commercial Air, Louisville, Ken., as subcontractors. Grissom's current Radar Approach Control Facility provides air traffic controls services to military and civilian aircraft including those of the 434th Air Refueling Wing, numerous other military flying units, and the general civilian aviation community within a 40-nautical mile radius. When complete, the 9,900-square foot facility will include 20 rooms and provide work areas for 26 air traffic controls and staff. Organizations utilizing the facility will include Air Traffic Control, Terminal Instrument Procedures, Airspace Office and an Administrative Office. The building will also include a training area for air traffic controllers utilizing radar and tower simulator systems. The Grissom Radar Approach Control is the only Air Force Reserve Command Air Traffic Control facility within the National Airspace System.
