Others may be announced by the end of the year. The Dyess proposal seeks to offset a projected 630-unit housing shortfall for enlisted and junior officer people assigned to the Abilene, Texas, base. Air Force and Department of Defense approved the proposal last month. Most of the housing was built in the 1970s. At a recent housing meeting, Gen. Dick Hawley, Air Combat Command commander, stressed this is an important quality of life initiative.
Housing is a key benefit.
For the Dyess initiative, the Air Force is seeking housing units built to industry standards and city codes rather than military specifications. The builder must agree to operate the housing for a period to be determined from 30-50 years. It is intended that the Air Force member's base housing allowance will cover the rent and a reasonable utility allowance. The typical wait for base housing at Dyess is now between 3-18 months. A request for proposal is expected to be issued next Spring with award of a contract by fall 2000.