The New York District is overseeing renovations at Watervliet Arsenal, a 200-year-old U.S. Army facility along the Hudson River in upstate New York.
Watervliet Arsenal functions as a full-service support facility to the Joint Force and industry through precision manufacturing, engineering and quality assurance for cannons, mortars and associated materiel.
Facility Makeover
Army Corps of Engineers’ improvements to the 142-acre facility began in 2016, gradually bringing the aging outpost into the 21st century. Some perspective: The original firehouse supported horse-drawn firefighting equipment in the early 1800s.
New Security Gate
A visible renovation is the $5.1 million South Gate Access Control Point, the main entrance to the facility completed in November. Improvements include a new security check area, overhead canopy, vehicle barrier system and hardscape - new pavement, walks, lighting, signage, etc. These improvements enhance the security for the facility.
Commander’s Perspective
“Military construction supporting the U.S. Armed Forces is a major mission for our District,” said New York District Commander Col. Matthew Luzzatto, adding, “Modernization of the Watervliet Arsenal will increase productivity, reduce production time, and improve facilities and working conditions.”
Premier Manufacturing Source
The Arsenal - established in 1813 in support of the War of 1812 when the United States fought Great Britain over violations of U.S. maritime rights - remains America’s premier manufacturing source for Army artillery. It’s relied upon to produce today’s most advanced, high-tech, high-powered weaponry. The co-location with Benet Laboratories, the Army’s design agency, helps streamline production.
Site Tour
A tour with Scott Kosnick, an area engineer for northern New York managing Army Corps projects across the site, provided a broad overview. New components juxtaposed with aging infrastructure underscored the transformation taking place: Outside one building, bright red fire-suppression equipment was neatly stacked against a weathered brick building more than 100 years old.
Army Corps of Engineers Office
The Army Corps of Engineers Watervliet Arsenal Resident Office, re-established 2016, is where New York District staff oversee renovations. Employees supporting the Watervliet Resident Office include a program support analyst; two engineering technicians; three project engineers; and a construction inspector. Since 2016, the workforce has increased from one to eight, with another coming onboard next month.
Additional Facility Improvements
Other projects underway include:
►New General-Purpose Warehouse: 10,000-sf building providing additional storage space
►Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant: Infrastructure and safety upgrades for a 50-year-old structure
► Building 110: Fire-suppression systems, replacement of doors, windows, and lighting
► Building 135: Roof replacement, overhaul of restrooms, upgraded office space, and HVAC repairs
► Electrical Switch Station: Additional equipment providing redundant power supply in case of power failure
►Phase I Fire-Suppression Systems: New water lines, fire pumps and alarm systems in six (6) buildings
These improvements are the first phase of the facility’s modernization plan. Future projects include:
► Chrome Plating Facility Repairs: Upgrade existing controls and equipment modernizing a 50-year-old facility to ensure seamless operations for gun-tube manufacturing.
►Gun Tube Furnace: Replacement of gun-tube furnace system and modifications/replacements of the foundation and utilities.
►Phase II Fire Suppression Systems: Project focus is manufacturing buildings providing protection for occupants and equipment.