New construction is taking place at a rapid pace all across Fort Bliss. Thursday morning was the ground breaking for a new dental and medical center on post. The 40,000 square foot facility is being built at a cost of $24 million dollars and is expected to complete by May 2012. This ground breaking came just hours before the grand opening of the new Milam Child Development Center. The daycare like facility is one of seven that is planned for Fort Bliss in the near future. In both cases construction is necessary in order to handle the rapid growth on post. Some will tell you that, really, fort bliss...the expansion and growth here...hasn't been seen in decades,” said Colonel Leonard Wells, Garrison Transition Commander. “Some will say since world war two...in terms of building construction. It’s just a magnificent program,” said Colonel Wells. Across post convenience stores are also being constructed, so is the new Military Mall. A new commissary will be opening up in less than three weeks. “With the growth and expansion here on Fort Bliss to take care of our soldiers...not only our soldiers but our family members as well,” said Colonel Wells.

This wave of construction and expansion on post is also being seen as win for El Paso.

“With our construction program that we've had over the last five years…really it is a 4.9 billion dollar program...a lot of that has transformed or translated into opportunities for small businesses here in El Paso and the region as well,” said Colonel Wells.

He also points out the money being made on post that is finding its way into El Paso.

“That military payroll really translates into billions of dollars annually for the economy of El Paso and the region as a whole,” said Colonel Wells.

The next major grand opening is scheduled for August. That is when the new headquarters for the First Armored Division will open its doors.