North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded two major construction contracts worth more than $212 million to support the expansion and modernization of Base Charleston in North Charleston, South Carolina.
The projects include a complete rebuild of Pier Mike and the construction of a new combined medical and dental facility, along with a visitor’s centre and supporting infrastructure. Officials say the developments are part of the Coast Guard’s broader transformation initiatives and are intended to support the growing operational demands at the base.
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company has been awarded a $116.7-million fixed-price, design-build contract for the full recapitalization of Pier Mike. The project, executed by the U.S. Coast Guard Facilities Design and Construction Center in Norfolk, Virginia, includes demolition of the existing pier and construction of a new structure capable of homeporting four Offshore Patrol Cutters and one visiting cutter.
According to the Coast Guard, each berth will also be able to accommodate National Security Cutters, providing additional operational flexibility for the fleet. The project is expected to be completed in 2030.
The Pier Mike redevelopment follows Whiting-Turner’s ongoing reconstruction of the nearby Pier November project, which officials said is progressing on schedule and within budget.
A second contract, valued at $95.5 million, was awarded to Brasfield & Gorrie for the design and construction of a new 30,000-square-foot combined medical and dental facility at the base. The project also includes a new entry control point, visitor’s centre and supporting utilities infrastructure.
The Coast Guard said the facility will improve personnel readiness by expanding access to medical and dental services for crews stationed at the base. Construction is expected to be completed by July 2029.
Both contracts were awarded under the Department of Homeland Security’s National Multiple Award Construction Contract III and are funded through the Coast Guard’s share of the $25-billion investment included in the Working Families’ Tax Cut Act.
“I am excited for the incredible potential these projects have to improve the welfare of our Servicemembers and their families, to homeport our future fleet of Offshore Patrol Cutters and to operationalize the generous investments being made in our Service by the American people,” said Jo-Ann Burdian, commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area.
“Our people are our greatest asset, and everything we do on their behalf, to ensure they are ready, trained and well-supported will enable us to act with clarity, cohesion, and purpose to deliver the outcomes our Nation expects.”