Official ground breaking held: Army Reserve Center looks at 2012 completion

City of Statham and United States Army officials estimate the new Reserve Center will be completed by early 2012.

With an estimated cost of $12 million for the project, work has already begun at the corner of Hwy. 316 and Bethlehem Road, Statham mayor Robert Bridges said. The facility will be 52,000 square feet and will house a training center, maintenance facility and a storage area.

The new Army Reserve Center will house three units, including the 231st Transportation Company headquartered now in Athens. The Company has approximately 200 members.
Two other units will also use the new facility. While Army Reserve officials said the facility would have its own support staff, it may still require additional full-time civilian employees. Bridges hopes those positions will be filled by area citizens.

The Statham location was chosen from among eight sites. The new center will cover just over 16 acres.

Present at the official groundbreaking ceremony were Mayor Bridges; Congressman Rob Woodall; Tate O’Rourke, an aide for U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson; Marisa Simpson, an aide for U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss and Maj. Gen. Alan Bell (retired.)