The Rock Island Arsenal is getting its first new housing development for military families since the 1960s.

Ground was broken during a ceremony for 71 new residences, a combination of single-family homes and duplexes. Col. Kenneth Tauke said the $60 million project is proof that the Army “sees a future” for the arsenal in the Quad Cities region.

More than a dozen people in hardhats shoveled dirt at the site. Construction should last until May 2018. Lt. Col. Robert Newbauer of the Army Corps of Engineers pledges that the project will be on time and on budget.

Tauke said the housing project should alleviate concerns that Army members have over buying and selling a house during their assignments at the arsenal.

Today's top stories

Construction Market Boosts Economy

Bobcat Company Donates $885,000 in Equipment to Support Salvation Army's Disaster Relief Efforts

VIDEO: KEMROC Expands; Plans to Increase Nationwide Presence

'Machinery Pete' Interviews Jack Lyon On RFD TV

VIDEO: Two Major Roadway Project Contracts Awarded by State Officials in West Virginia

VIDEO: First of Two Sections of NYC's $1.45B East Side Coastal Resiliency Project Is Complete

John Deere Construction Introduces Flexible Customer Training Options

INFRA Grant Moves Ohio's N. Coast Connector Project Steps Closer