Crews Break Ground On Selfridge Jet Fuel Delivery, Storage System

HARRISON TOWNSHIP (AP) - Work has started on a new jet fuel storage and delivery system at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in suburban Detroit, and officials say it's the largest project in the air field's 99-year history.

The ceremonial groundbreaking on the $32.6 million project took place Friday. The National Guard's 127th Wing has said the project will support rapid refueling of KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft and other aircraft based at Selfridge, training at the facility or deploying from the base.

Among its features will be an above-ground, 630,000-gallon storage complex and eight-station refueling system that will allow all aircraft to "pull up to the pump," a release said. A remote fuel truck unloading site also aims to boost safety and security on the base.

The project at the base in Macomb County's Harrison Township is expected to be done in roughly two years. The 127th Wing says the project's lead contractor is Garco Construction of Spokane, Washington.

According to the 127th Wing, the new storage and delivery system will replace an existing storage area at the base that was built in 1958. Commander John Slocum says the project is necessary for "Selfridge to be a cutting-edge military facility for continued aircraft operations.'"