The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a $230 million design-build contract to expand operational support facilities at Coast Guard Base Charleston, South Carolina, as part of a broader infrastructure modernization program.

The Coast Guard’s Facilities Design and Construction Center awarded the contract to Brasfield and Gorrie LLC of Birmingham, Alabama, on June 16, 2026. The project will support the base’s future operational needs and strengthen its role as a major East Coast maritime facility.

The latest contract forms part of more than $440 million in infrastructure investments at Base Charleston. The upgrades will transform the installation into a modern operational hub that supports next-generation cutters, improves mission readiness, and enhances workforce facilities.

Base Charleston Expansion Includes Three Major Facilities

The design-build project will deliver several critical facilities scheduled for completion in 2030.

The scope includes a 90,000-square-foot engineering complex that will house multiple Coast Guard operational units. The building will support facilities engineering, naval engineering, electronics support, industrial production, boat storage, shipping and receiving operations, and hazardous materials storage.

The project will also include a 120,000-square-foot multifunctional building designed to improve personnel support services. The facility will contain a 75-room unaccompanied personnel housing structure, a dining galley capable of serving 650 personnel, a fitness center, and an exchange facility.

Additional work includes construction of a parking structure to support personnel assigned to vessels homeported at Base Charleston.

Infrastructure Investment Strengthens East Coast Maritime Operations

The new facilities represent the latest phase of a long-term recapitalization strategy for Base Charleston.

Earlier in 2026, the Coast Guard awarded two additional contracts covering improvements to Pier Mike and construction of a new medical and dental facility. Together, the three projects will deliver more than $440 million in upgrades across the installation.

The improvements will provide updated shore infrastructure to support the Coast Guard’s expanding fleet requirements and improve operational efficiency.

Vice Adm. Jo-Ann F. Burdian, commander of Coast Guard Atlantic Area, highlighted the strategic importance of the investment.

“The strategic expansion of Base Charleston is vital to our maritime operations and national security,” Burdian said. “This investment not only supports homeporting of our newest cutters, it ensures our dedicated service members have the modern infrastructure, healthcare, and support facilities they deserve to maintain peak mission readiness.”

Brasfield and Gorrie Leads Major Federal Construction Project

Brasfield and Gorrie will deliver the Base Charleston facilities through a design-build contract structure. The approach combines architectural design and construction services under a single agreement to improve project coordination and delivery efficiency.

The contractor, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, has extensive experience delivering complex commercial, industrial, and government construction projects.

The Coast Guard awarded all three Base Charleston contracts through the Department of Homeland Security’s National Multiple Award Construction Contract III strategic sourcing vehicle.

Coast Guard Accelerates Shore Infrastructure Modernization

The Base Charleston investment forms part of a historic $25 billion funding package supporting Coast Guard modernization efforts.

Through the investment, the Coast Guard has committed more than $10 billion toward new assets and capabilities while allocating an additional $3 billion for critical depot maintenance and shore facility improvements.

The funding supports the agency’s efforts to modernize acquisition programs, introduce next-generation technology, restore operational readiness, and improve aging infrastructure.

Major Milestone for Military Infrastructure Development

The Base Charleston expansion highlights continued federal investment in resilient military and maritime infrastructure.

The completed upgrades will provide improved engineering capabilities, expanded personnel support services, and enhanced operational facilities for Coast Guard missions along the Atlantic coast.

The project also demonstrates the growing importance of modern shore infrastructure in supporting advanced vessels and evolving national security requirements.

Project Details

• Project: Coast Guard Base Charleston Infrastructure Expansion
• Location: Charleston, South Carolina, United States
• Contract Value: $230 million
• Contractor: Brasfield and Gorrie LLC
• Completion Date: 2030
• Total Base Charleston Investment: More than $440 million
• Delivery Method: Design-build