News Release

Phase Two of the Utility System Replacement Project at Vancouver Barracks to Begin This Fall

This fall's Phase Two Utilities project is a continuation of utility work completed in 2016, pictured above.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: October 9, 2018

Contact: Tracy Fortmann, Superintendent, [phone]

Contact: Mary Hazell, Project Manager, [phone]

A crucial next step in achieving the vision for the East and South Vancouver Barracks outlined in the site's Master Plan - that of a Sustainable Historic Campus for Public Use - will begin this fall. The National Park Service has awarded a contract to Westech Construction, Inc., of Portland, Oregon, to rehabilitate the utility infrastructure. The $3.2 million contract will replace water, sanitary sewer, electrical, and telecommunications systems throughout the East and South portions of Vancouver Barracks. Constructed in 1907 through 1930, all of the utility systems in this are are well beyond their service life.

Phase one of the project, completed in 2016, upgraded a limited area by replacing approximately 15% of water lines, hydrants, sewer lines, and underground electrical. This phase two project replaces the remaining 85% of water lines, hydrants, sewer lines, manholes, conduit, conductors, transformers and fiber optic cable.

The completion of this project in late 2019 will support the existing operational buildings including the US Forest Service Gifford Pinchot National Forest Headquarters, Bureau of Indian Affairs offices, Army Air Force Exchange Service Shopette, NPS administrative offices, and multiple summer camps in Building 410. Importantly for the future, it will provide the basic amenities necessary for the rehabilitation of the remaining 20 buildings for public use and leasing.

"While not very visible, effective infrastructure is essential for the future of Vancouver Barracks. Without upgraded systems, it would be impossible to give this historic post the future it deserves," said Superintendent Tracy Fortmann. "We have been focused on obtaining funding for these sorts of fundamental improvements, and are grateful to the National Park Service leadership for supporting this project."