Description of Work/Type of Construction:
In 2005, Hurricane Wilma affected 750 Navy houses and associated infrastructure in the Key West, Florida, area. BE&K initially developed damage assessments to aid in the Navy’s plan to restore housing, airfield and office/support facilities. The scope of services included repair, restoration, maintenance and new construction. BE&K removed damaged equipment and infrastructure items in 29 of the three- and four-bedroom housing units. For several hundred housing units, we provided electrical, plumbing and HVAC/mechanical work, and replaced cabinets, electrical equipment, countertops and floors. We also carried out disposal services for equipment.
At the Boca Chica Field, BE&K replaced airfield lighting, lighted windsocks, damaged strobe lights and 50-ton chillers, and assisted in the renovation of the waste water treatment plant and lift stations. Services for other projects included replacing damaged controllers for most of the NAS Key West entrance gates throughout Key West, and assisting in the repair and inspection of wastewater stations at Peary Court Housing Annex and Sigsbee Park Housing Annex. BE&K also replaced 15-ton and 50-ton chillers at the USAF high-frequency transmission signal site at Saddle Bunch Key, Mile Marker 15 and U.S. Rte. 1.
Unique Aspects of Project:
Because of the devastating impact of the hurricane, there was a short-term lack of logistical support from private or local government resources in the area. Many essential items were in short supply for local inhabitants, including housing, food, utilities, laundry and other basic needs. There was also limited availability of construction forces that were able to move in to support repair and rebuilding. Material shortages were the norm at the sites of all the emergency projects. While some large retail warehouse suppliers had inventory, material procurement was difficult and time-consuming. Communications and staging locations were also very limited.
In working on these projects in Key West, BE&K was able to continue our outstanding safety record and consistent quality of service. In all, we had 183 employees (including subcontractors) performing a total of 78,950 hours with no lost-time accidents.
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