Auburn University, Fort Benning agree to $18 million, 10-year environmental services partnership

Auburn University and Fort Benning have agreed to a 10-year, $18 million partnership for the universitys Department of Risk Management & Safety (RMS) to assume management of the Georgia Army bases environmental services.

The Intergovernmental Support Agreement connects the university and military base which are 40 miles apart in a long-term partnership that will expand research opportunities for Auburn. The university’s RMS will support Fort Bennings environment compliance program requirements beginning in April and continuing for the next ten.

Auburn spokeswoman said that RMS is a university-wide organization with the mission to protect people, property, the environment, and financial resources. It supports Auburn University’s teaching, research and outreach programs as well as student services. RMS will help the base adhere to state and federal Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and hazardous waste regulations, and oversee staffing needs.

This partnership is a significant advancement in the collaboration between Auburn, Fort Benning.

This long-term partnership between Auburn University, Fort Benning, and other institutions is a welcomed one that will bring together our two great neighbors for many years to follow, said retired Lt. General Ron Burgess (Auburn’s executive vice president, 38-year U.S Army veteran). Auburn has been a friend of veterans and the military for many years. This partnership will strengthen that friendship as we help the Army manage their environmental needs through the Department of Risk Management & Safety. This agreement will provide faculty research opportunities, which will be a huge boost to campus. We look forward to a long alliance.

Visitors from Fort Benning sit in for a presentation from Eric Wetzel, of the Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction, prior to the signing ceremony. (Phillip Coxwell)

For the base, the deal represents an opportunity to streamline operations, maximize effectiveness and partner with a major land-grant institution.

Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Donahoe is the commanding general of Fort Benning and Maneuver Center of Excellence. The Intergovernmental Service Agreement model has proven to be a success across the Army. It has also been a great tool for working with nearby communities to create mutually-beneficial partnerships. We are excited to take the lessons learned and apply them at home.

The partnership was initially conceptualized by College of Sciences and Mathematics interim Dean Edward Thomas Jr., who views the collaboration as a mechanism for additional research funding at Auburn.

Thomas expressed excitement at the opportunity to have Auburn faculty collaborate with Fort Benning in order to conduct research and solve real-world problems.

Auburn’s colleges, faculty, campus units, and faculty can apply for funding for research projects related to Fort Benning missions as part of this partnership. The university will establish an advisory board to review funding applications, evaluate new projects and communicate opportunities to faculty during research.

Fort Benning depends on our partnerships to support its operations, stated Brandon Cockrell (deputy to the garrison commander), Fort Benning. These intergovernmental service agreements allow us to reduce administrative costs and concentrate on our mission and the partnership.

Auburn University and Fort Benning signed a 10-year environmental services agreement at The Park at Auburn in the university’s Research and Innovation Center. Auburn was represented at the Maneuver Center of Excellence by Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Donahoe. (contributed)

Edward Thomas Jr., interim dean for the College of Sciences and Mathematics, was instrumental in brokering the environmental services deal between Auburn University and Fort Benning. (contributed)

Auburn Department of Risk Management & Safety Executive Director Chris OGwynn speaks of the services his staff will provide Fort Benning for the coming years. (contributed)

Auburn RMS will manage many of the same environmental compliance responsibilities for Fort Benning that it does for the university, including chemical waste management, stormwater pollution prevention, spill response and personnel training.

This partnership offers Auburn University and Fort Benning a unique opportunity, according to Chris OGwynn.

Our goal is to help them create more efficient processes and improved coordination of personnel, on-site inspections and tracking of materials,” he said.

Our Environmental Health & Safety team does an outstanding job for the university, and the opportunity to work with Fort Benning to provide the same exceptional level of support is very exciting,” O’Gwynn said. “Additionally, Auburn University will have the opportunity to establish new types of educational, research and professional development opportunities for its faculty, staff and students. We look forward for a long and collaborative partnership.

This story originally appeared on Auburn University’s website.