Fort Bliss Expected To Triple In Size, City Officials Say

EL PASO, Texas — By 2013, Fort Bliss is expected to more than triple in size, and we now have a clearer picture on the expansion that is underway.

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, there was a short briefing on the work being done. On hand to hear the briefing was Maj. Gen. Mark Hertling, the commanding general of the 1st Armored Division, which will relocate to Fort Bliss.

“When we flew into the airport, we were flabbergasted by the amount of preparation for our military,” Hertling said.

He and his wife Sue were stationed at Fort Bliss in the early 1980s and are back in town looking at the future home of the 1st Armored Division.

“I didn’t recognize the city at all,” Sue Hertling said.

The commanding general was extremely impressed with all the work being done around Fort Bliss by the city of El Paso, including roads and infrastructure, meeting the heavy housing demand for soldiers and their families, as well as meeting the educational needs of their children at new schools.

Among the highlights are the $367 million spent on Spur 601, which runs between Fort Bliss and Biggs Field and will eventually connect US 54 and Loop 375. Ten thousand lots are being readied to develop new homes, and $875 million in school bonds will provide for new and improved campuses.

Deputy City Manager Pat Adauto said El Paso will be ready. “We’re working very hard to make sure it’s seamless as they get here…We just have to be sure it’s all planned right.”

Hertling and his wife like what they see so far.

“It’s going to be a city unto itself over there, and the way it’s partnered El Paso has just been phenomenal,” Hertling said.