Auburn University and Fort Benning have agreed to a 10-year, $18 million partnership for the university’s Department of Risk Management & Safety (RMS) to assume management of the Georgia Army base’s 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 Benning’s environmental compliance program needs beginning in April for the next decade.

An Auburn spokesman said RMS operates with a mission to “protect people, the environment, property, financial and other resources in support of Auburn University’s teaching, research, outreach and 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.

The partnership marks a significant advance in the collaboration between Auburn and Fort Benning.

“This long-term partnership between Auburn University and Fort Benning is a welcomed joint venture that will link our two great neighboring institutions for years to come,” said retired Lt. Gen. Ron Burgess, Auburn’s executive vice president and a 38-year U.S. Army veteran. “Auburn has long been a friend to the military and veterans, and this collaboration will strengthen that bond as we help the Army manage the base’s environmental needs through our Department of Risk Management & Safety. The potential for faculty research opportunities through this agreement will be a profound boost across campus, and we look forward to a long alliance with Fort Benning.”

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.

“The Intergovernmental Service Agreement model has been successful across the Army and has been a great tool to work with surrounding communities to create mutually beneficial partnerships,” said Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Donahoe, commanding general, Fort Benning and the Maneuver Center of Excellence. “We are excited to build on those lessons learned and apply them here 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.

“I am excited for this opportunity to have Auburn faculty work in conjunction with Fort Benning to conduct research and help solve problems that have real-world applications,” Thomas said. “This partnership will spark new innovations and help Auburn work on long-term projects with the United States Army.”

As part of the partnership, Auburn’s colleges, faculty and campus units can apply for research funding for projects relevant to Fort Benning missions. The university will form an advisory board to process funding applications, consider new projects related to the Army base and communicate opportunities for faculty to consider during their research.

“Fort Benning relies on our partnerships and contracts to support our operations,” said Brandon Cockrell, deputy to the garrison commander, Fort Benning. “Intergovernmental service agreements like this allow us to reduce the administrative costs and focus on the partnership and our mission.”

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 by Executive Vice President and retired Lt. Gen. Ron Burgess, left, and Fort Benning by Maj. Gen. Patrick J. Donahoe, commanding general, Fort Benning and the Maneuver Center of Excellence. (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 O’Gwynn 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 is a tremendous opportunity for Auburn University and Fort Benning to work together in this first-of-its-kind partnership,” said Chris O’Gwynn, executive director of Auburn RMS.

“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 are looking forward to a long, collaborative partnership.”

This story originally appeared on Auburn University’s website.