FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE – Fairchild Air Force Base, situated near Spokane, is addressing housing concerns head-on, as highlighted by recent communications from U.S. Senator Patty Murray and Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers. The focus centers on homes managed by Balfour Beatty Communities (BBC). Captain Teri L. Bunce, the Public Affairs Chief at Fairchild AFB, provided insights into the situation.
U.S. Senator Patty Murray, D-Shoreline, and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Spokane, have voiced concern on the privatized housing maintained by Balfour Beatty Communities, where reports have surfaced about mold, foundation cracks, siding falling off, chipping paint and roofs in need of replacement.
The two lawmakers sent a letter last Monday to Balfour Beatty Communities outlining their housing concerns.
They expressed concern that the aging homes – some dating back to the 1950s – are rapidly approaching a point where they may be unsuitable for families living on the base.
Fairchild Air Foce Base has 641 Balfour Beatty maintained homes, with 539 constructed in the 1950s, base records show.
While 21 houses were added in the 1990s and 81 more in the early 2000s, the construction of new homes to meet current needs is not expected to begin until 2029, leaving a number of service members in 1950s-era homes.
The lawmakers stressed that proactive measures are necessary to prevent housing conditions from deteriorating further.
Col Chesley Dycus, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander, emphasized the strong relationship between Fairchild AFB and BBC in response to inquiries regarding the letter.
“We are focused on BBC’s long-term sustainment and recapitalization plan for the homes on Fairchild to ensure the long-term viability of our aging on-base houses so they meet the standards that the men, women, and their families who serve our nation deserve,” stated Col Chesley Dycus.
“We routinely communicate with local, state, and federal officials, and higher echelons within the Department of the Air Force to be the voice for our base,” said Col Chesley Dycus. The base actively gathers feedback through surveys, the Military Housing Office, and a Privatized Housing Resident Advocate, emphasizing a commitment to understanding and acting on resident concerns.
The base leadership expressed gratitude for the advocacy efforts of lawmakers, including Senator Patty Murray and Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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