Fort Eisenhower breaks ground on new homes for enlisted troops

After more than a decade with no new housing, leaders at Fort Eisenhower broke ground Tuesday on 76 new houses.

The condition of homes at Fort Gordon has been the subject of press reports and even congressional inquiries as soldiers have charged the housing is badly maintained or even dangerous. Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth came to Fort Eisenhower on Friday for the renaming ceremony from Fort Gordon, and in the afternoon toured some of the existing housing.

"On Friday, we heard the secretary of the Army talking about 'it takes a generational investment in our Army housing program,'" said Garrison Commander Col. Reggie Evans on Tuesday. "Today is the start of that generational investment in housing here on Fort Eisenhower."

Evans said the project, named Pine Tree Terrace, was the first on post since 2008.

The houses are being constructed by Balfour Beatty Communities, the contractor responsible for maintaining on-post housing. In December 2021, Balfour pleaded guilty to fraud against the the United States from 2013 to 2019 following a Department of Justice investigation.

Evans and Charles Parker, senior vice president of Balfour Beatty, both alluded to the past controversies in their speeches. Evans stressed that the company is a "valuable member" of the Fort Eisenhower community.

"I acknowledge the last couple years, BBC has been under justifiable scrutiny," Evans said. "It's been some tough years. But I also applaud their efforts and commitment to making sweeping staffing changes and program added changes to affect change for this installation for our service members."

Parker said that Balfour Beatty is committed to rebuilding trust as they work with the military leadership.

"It's a multi-million dollar project and it really is a testament to collaboration," he said.

The new buildings will be three- and four-bedroom townhomes, including four that will be accessible to those with disabilities. They will be for junior enlisted service members.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Balfour Beatty, Fort Eisenhower being new home construction