Okaloosa County approves $1.87M study to support Eglin West Gate Redevelopment

In Brief:

🛠️ County commissioners approved a $1.87 million study to plan infrastructure upgrades near Eglin AFB’s West Gate as part of a long-term redevelopment vision.
🤝 The agreement extends a contract with HDR Engineering and renews a cooperative partnership with Eglin’s 96th Test Wing, which will provide funding and technical input.
🕰️ The 30-month study will address outdated Cold War-era infrastructure, transportation access, and security compliance around the installation’s western perimeter.

CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa County will move forward with the next phase of a long-term redevelopment effort near Eglin Air Force Base’s West Gate after commissioners approved an agreement to extend a key engineering contract and authorize a new $1.87 million study.

As part of passing the council’s consent agenda on July 1, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners is expanding its contract with HDR Engineering, Inc., through 2027, extending the original agreement by three years to allow for a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) study known as the Eglin Westside Expansion Plan.

The decision follows the completion of deliverables from two prior task orders under the original 2020 agreement. HDR’s new task order — Task Order 3 — outlines the scope of work necessary to complete the PD&E study and carries a price tag of $1,869,700.27. County staff and Eglin officials reviewed and approved both the scope and cost.

The study is estimated to take 30 months.

To authorize the next phase, the county also signed a new memorandum of agreement with Eglin’s 96th Test Wing. The terms mirror the original 2020 MOA and designate Okaloosa County as the contracting agent for the project, while Eglin will provide technical input and funding.

Funds for the contract will be drawn from an escrow account managed by the 96th Test Wing, as required by federal law. The updated agreement requires joint oversight, with county and Air Force officials coordinating the development of scope, vendor selection, and plan approval.

The Eglin Westside Expansion Plan is part of a broader effort to address aging infrastructure, improve gate compliance, and enhance transportation access in and around the base. Eglin’s current infrastructure dates back to World War II and the Cold War, and many facilities are beyond their intended service life.

“This initiative supports Eglin’s long-term vision to transform into a world-class center for advanced military technology and ensure modern facilities align with future mission requirements,” the agreement states.

The 96th Test Wing and Okaloosa County have committed to annual reviews of the new agreement, with the option to modify or terminate it with 30 days’ written notice.