Sam Houston braces for huge personnel influx

[unhappycamper]

Sam Houston braces for huge personnel influx
The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Apr 13, 2008 15:18:17 EDT

SAN ANTONIO — The impending influx of military personnel has the makings of a “seismic event” at Fort Sam Houston, one of the Army’s oldest active posts, officials say.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is at the front edge of a $2 billion binge-building program that’s likely to transform the military in San Antonio and neighborhoods near Fort Sam, which will see the bulk of the congressional construction spending.

“It’s a seismic event,” said Greg Overland, president of the military branch of Broadway Bank. “We’ve had military so long that we’re immersed in it. I don’t think the general public understands the size of it. It will define the city as we go on.”

San Antonio and Fort Sam were big winners in the latest round of base realignment and closure decisions three years ago. Up to 12,400 new military and civilian workers mean an influx of at least 2,500 spouses and 2,500 school-age kids. More families are likely to generate demand for new apartments and condos, as well as grocery stores, dry cleaners and other services.

In other words, to the victors go the headaches.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/04/ap_samhouston_boom_041308/