W.A. Rasic Construction Completes Major Energy Infrastructure Upgrade at Military Installation

W.A. Rasic Construction completed a major energy infrastructure upgrade, converting the installation from propane to natural gas and helping strengthen safety and reliability.

LONG BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–W.A. Rasic Construction Company announced the completion of a significant energy infrastructure upgrade at a major U.S. military training installation, successfully transitioning the facility’s expansive fuel system from propane to natural gas. Managed in coordination with the project’s lead contractor, the work modernized critical utility systems across one of the nation’s most important training centers.

The scope of work included the installation of seven new natural gas lines and approximately 80 valves, followed by detailed isolation testing across 115 separate zones. Each zone underwent a rigorous three-hour pressure test to confirm complete isolation and identify any potential leaks or cross-connections. These precision tests were essential to ensuring long-term system performance and operational safety.

“We’re essentially overhauling the entire energy network,” said Kevin Morales, Project Engineer for the company, during the execution of the project. “The testing alone requires a great deal of coordination. Operational vehicles, training units, and residential traffic all share the installation’s roadways, turning simple logistics into a complex puzzle.”

Crews utilized specialized crushed aggregate base sand and native soil for backfilling to protect trench integrity while minimizing disruption to surrounding facilities. Particular care was taken near medical and command facilities, where W.A. Rasic Construction implemented sequencing strategies to ensure essential services remained uninterrupted throughout construction.

For Morales, the project carried both professional and personal significance. “The systems here aren’t as modern as you’d find in most cities,” he explained. “But navigating the additional approvals and detailed planning steps has made this an incredible learning opportunity. Seeing everything come together on such an important job is very rewarding.”

With the transition now complete, the installation is positioned to benefit from improved energy reliability, reduced long-term operational costs, and lower environmental risk compared to legacy propane systems. The upgrade supports broader federal energy resilience goals, helping ensure the facility can sustain critical training operations and community life during peak demand or emergency conditions.

This project further underscores the company’s growing role in delivering complex utility and energy infrastructure improvements throughout California and the Western United States. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Long Beach, the company has built a strong reputation for precision, safety, and technical excellence across gas, water, and heavy civil infrastructure projects.

Recognized by Engineering News-Record as the 2021 Specialty Contractor of the Year for California and the Northwest, W.A. Rasic continues to deliver essential infrastructure solutions that strengthen operational safety, community resilience, and long-term sustainability.

About W.A. Rasic Construction Company

For more than 45 years, W.A. Rasic Construction Company has been a trusted leader in infrastructure development, known for its commitment to safety, quality, and innovation. They specialize in underground utilities, water, wastewater, power, communication, gas & oil, and heavy civil construction, serving public and private sector clients across the Western United States with an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of excellence and reliability.

Contacts

Contact Name: Jeremy Donald
Organization: Silverline Mediaworks
Website: https://www.silverlinemediaworks.com/
Phone number: 720-334-7865
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