WASHINGTON -- Amid economic recession and a nationwide construction downturn, Washington is plowing ahead with major expansion plans at Fort Bliss.

VIDEO: Scott MacFarlane Reports - Fort Bliss Set For Major Expansion

Fort Bliss spokeswoman Jean Offut told KFOXTV.com that a total of $4.6 billion in construction projects will be completed between now and 2012. Offut said groundbreaking for one of the largest projects, construction of a new post exchange, is scheduled for July 17. It'll be followed by construction of a new base commissary soon thereafter.

Washington, D.C.-based contractor Federal Development will break ground July 15 on a major housing and retail development in El Paso's Lower Dyer neighborhood, about a half-mile from Fort Bliss' front gate. The 93-acre development features a mix of apartments and shopping centers. John Infantino, chief executive officer for Federal Development, said the project will include 1,100 apartments for soldiers and families. Infantino said some soldiers will be able to move in by the end of 2011.

Fort Bliss, home base to 18,000 soldIers, will expand to 34,000 by 2012. The expansion is part of the Pentagon's Base Realignment and Closure program, announced in 2005. Matt Mackowiak, a former Texas congressional aide, told KFOXTV.com, "When those soldiers come back to that base, they bring an enormous amount of economic impact with them. They bring families. They create jobs. It really helps the entire economy of El Paso."