ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District is scheduled to begin replacing a Jet Propellant 8 fuel line here that will increase ground refueling capabilities for KC-135 Stratotankers, Jan. 23.
The construction project will establish an eight-inch steel pipeline, which will connect the bulk fuel storage area to the tanker ramp, providing a more reliable and efficient way to refuel.
"We're putting roughly 14,500 linear feet of eight inch steel pipe to connect the south tank fuel farm to the north fuel farm," said Randy Tisdell, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project manager.
The new fuel line will replace a transfer line that was decommissioned in 2005 due to corrosion leaks. The existing line was in service for 50 years.
The project was funded by the Defense Logistics Agency and the Military Construction Corporation, a company who specializes in government construction.
"We actually - in about 2003 to 2004 - got traction on the project," said Bron Howard, 97th Civil Engineering Squadron chief of engineering. "We went through the design process for about two years and we're here now with construction starting."
The fuel line is projected to cost more than $9 million and will save the base money over time.
"It will save us money and it will be saving us manpower," said Howard. The 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron is expected to save 1,562 truck deliveries and 780 man hours a year he added.
"We enjoy working with the base, it's good for both of us," said Tisdell. "We want to work as a team, and step in and do whatever it can to help."
Construction is scheduled to be completed May 26, 2014.