Sheppard wins $785k for Lake Texoma Published May 13, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Valerie Hosea 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Sheppard Lake Texoma marina's recently-designed repair project received the highest project rating from Air Education and Training Command for 2009. AETC awarded Sheppard a total of $785,000 to complete the project because it exceeded the expected criteria. Ernest Mills, Lake Texoma store manager from the 82nd Force Support Squadron, said the project's payback was icing on the cake. "AETC's main concern was 'will the project have a payback equal to the time, money and effort put into creating it,'" he said. "Because of the calculated rate-of-return for the marina repair project, we were rated number one of the current AETC projects." Some of the improvements visitors can expect to see include a larger fishing area, a jet ski-holding berth and boat storage enhancements. Mr. Mills said the boat storage enhancements are especially important. "Currently, we're able to lodge only one boat at a time," he said. "With the new marina, we'll be able to lodge several boats all at once. There will also be a courtesy dock and several new boat ramps, which will be easier on our guests." Mr. Mills said more than 1,300 Sheppard personnel visit the marina every year. "Just about everyone uses it," he said. "From kids to parents, we see more than 45,000 visitors every year. Thirty percent of that population is from Sheppard Air Force Base." The new marina was designed to make life a little more comfortable when visiting Sheppard Lake Texoma, Mr. Mills said. "This new marina will be a great convenience to our customers, and we're looking forward to the recreational impact it will have," he said. The Sheppard Lake Texoma Marina Repair Project is scheduled to begin construction in 2012.