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WASHINGTON, DC –June 19, 2007 – U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis announced today that the U.S. Army has awarded a $12M contract to initiate the design and construction of the new Brigade/Battalion Headquarters at Fort Knox. The contract was officially awarded to B.L. Harbert International, LLC of Birmingham, AL.
“Fort Knox and surrounding communities are excited to welcome the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division to Kentucky,” said Lewis. “This contract will allow preparations to move forward for the Brigade’s arrival.”
Contract funding was made possible by the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007 signed into law last month by President Bush.
The storied history of 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division began with the arrival of General John “Blackjack” Pershing in France, commanding the First American Expeditionary Force during the final years of World War I. The 1st Infantry Division was the first to reach England during the opening months of World War II; the first to fight Axis forces in North Africa and Sicily, and the first on the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. They were later the first division called to fight in Vietnam and first to deploy to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
Since January 2003, the 1st Infantry Division has fought on the front lines in Northern Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Upon completion, the Infantry Brigade Combat Team is expected to move operations to Fort Knox, adding approximately 3,500 enlisted personnel to the current base population. Construction is projected to begin soon with an estimated completion date of December 2008.
“Our region looks forward to welcoming the 1st Infantry Division to their new home,” said Lewis.
Lewis serves as chairman of the Regional BRAC Task Force, an organization working with community representatives and relevant state agencies to evaluate new opportunities for regional economic growth during realignment.
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