Dyess housing begins privatization process

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Peter Thompson
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  On Oct. 1 Dyess Military Family Housing will transition to a privatized community, after the current residents sign a new lease agreement during the month of September.

Dyess is one of the final Air Force installations to lease base housing units, following the military housing privatization legislation, which was signed into law in 1996. The leasing of these units to the private sector was designed to alleviate an estimated 25 year, $7 billion renovation bill.

"With privatization, Dyess as a whole can focus more on the mission," said Dolores Green, 7th Civil Engineer Squadron chief housing manager. "By allowing the private sector to manage these homes, the Air Force is saving money on designing, constructing, operating and maintaining base housing facilities."

Balfour Beatty Communities has been awarded the contract to Dyess' base housing. The company's goal is to provide Dyess Airmen with superbly planned and designed communities and provide professional and responsive support to residents.

Currently, Balfour Beatty is responsible for more than 44,000 privatized military homes, accompanying 150,000 residents across the United States.

"We are arguably the largest and most successful privatized development and housing provider available," said Jeff Green, Balfour Beatty area manager. "We are the first company to prove military privatization can be a success, and we are currently responsible for more than 53 bases across the nation."

During a 42-month period, Balfour Beatty will be performing unit upgrades and construction of multiple community enhancements across Dyess' on-base housing. Included in the company's plan are a new management office, community center, outdoor center, barbeque picnic area, two tennis courts, two volleyball courts and improvements to outdoor sports and playground facilities. Additionally, every house on base will be receiving enhancements.

"This opportunity is bringing our residents more amenities and enhanced living quarters," Green said. "With these changes, base housing will begin feeling even more like a community and everyone can expect a higher quality of life."

For more information about the transition to privatized housing, visit the Community Management Office at 204 Washington Loop, Dyess Air Force Base, or logon to www.dyessfamilyhomes.com.