First of 5 phases clears site of debris Published July 17, 2007 By By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Nearly two years after Hurricane Katrina, the slate is being wiped clean for construction of a joint commissary, exchange and shopping mall. The programmed amount provided by special congressional appropriations is $78.6 million for the combined Defense Commissary Agency and Army and Air Force Exchange Service project. Mounds of debris from the former main exchange, gutted by Katrina's flood waters, are being cleared now. The former commissary is being leveled soon, according to 81st Civil Engineer Squadron officials. The five construction phases of the 28-month project have been coordinated so utility service to all buildings still in operation is uninterrupted by the demolition work. Phase 1, which is under way, involves removal of all remaining pavement, curbs, sidewalk and utilities for the cleared areas in the North Pinehaven base housing area east of 5th Street. It also includes installing new water mains, sanitary force main and gravity sewer, and building the eastern half of the employee parking area, which serves the temporary commissary during upcoming phases. Phase 2 consists of demolishing the former parking area, performing mass grading for the entire construction site, installing a new storm sewer and removing remaining utilities. Phase 3 involves actual construction of the new facilities, as well as completion of commissary receiving docks and remaining utilities, pavement, curbs and sidewalk in front of the parking area adjacent to the outdoor sales site. Landscaping begins once this work is completed. Phase 4 calls for the commissary to occupy its new building, allowing for removal of the temporary commissary and associated pavement, sidewalks and utilities. Phase 5 encompasses completion of the new base exchange receiving dock area, landscaping, employee parking area, a roadway and remaining utilities. The target date for completion is Nov. 11, 2009. Plans for the new AAFES facility include a satellite pharmacy, florist shop, day spa, barber shop, optical shop, alterations shop, military clothing sales, lift machine room and playground. Baskin-Robbins, Taco Bell, Anthony Pizza, Manchu Wok and Charley's Grilled Subs outlets are in the food court area. In the meantime, AAFES continues to serve customers at the temporary main exchange on T Street. The new commissary offerings include frozen food, dairy products, produce, meats, dry goods, a bakery, freshly-prepared sushi, rotisserie chicken and other hot foods. The temporary commissary operates in the former Keesler Community Center site on Meadows Drive.