Pacific edition, Thursday, September 13, 2007

CAMP CASEY, South Korea — Construction workers began dismantling a stretch of Camp Casey’s former wall Tuesday as part of a Highway 3 widening plan in Dongducheon.

In exchange, Camp Casey receives $3.19 million for wall construction costs, as well as senior-leader housing and Pear Blossom Cottage renovations.

U.S. Army Garrison Red Cloud commander Col. Larry Jackson and Camp Casey commander Lt. Col. Donald Meisler attended the demolition ceremony with Dongducheon officials Tuesday.

Both groups referred to the project as a symbol of cooperation.

“It is truly an honor and a pleasure to be part of this historic event,” Meisler said.

The Garrison is giving back 0.85 acres of land on the base’s southwest corner, near its main gate.

Garrison workers already have constructed a wall to replace the old one.

Building 2603, which used to stand near the wall and housed senior leaders, was abandoned due to force-protection concerns, garrison officials said.

Some of the $3.19 million received from the South Koreans will be used to convert enlisted unaccompanied housing Building 2363 into senior-leader housing.

Renovation was scheduled to begin this month on the Pear Blossom Cottage, which provides services and recreation space for families.

The old wall should be completely demolished around Sept. 20, garrison officials said.