Shoppette recieves new gas pumps

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joanna M. Kresge
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The Barksdale Shoppette is currently undergoing construction through July 29 to upgrade all 16 gas pumps.

The pumps, which were originally installed in 1994 will take 10 days to upgrade, during which time the gas services at the shoppette will unavailable.

"Unfortunately for safety reasons we are going to have to shut down and we won't have any gas available during that time, although we hope to have them open sooner if possible," said Gilbert Mata, Barksdale Army Air Force Exchange Service exchange general manager. "The shoppette itself will of course remain open during that time."

Mr. Mata says that this upgrade is long overdue and the new pumps will add many benefits to the Barksdale community.

"These gas pumps are 16 years-old and in dire need of an upgrade," he said. "The greatest benefit with this upgrade is so they won't have any operational issues, we have been experiencing quite a few problems with the old ones not working and having alot of down-time.

"These new pumps are much faster, more environmentally friendly and when customers use their credit cards they will process much faster," he continued.

Renee Davis, shoppette manager says, the pump islands will also be less crowded after the upgrade.

"We have three hoses at each pump which makes it congested at the pumps, the new ones will only have one hose with three options for fuel grade," she said.

Though the gas flow will be shut down for 10 days, Ms. Davis hopes that the upgrade will be worth the wait.

"We are apologetic for any inconvenience," she said. "I realize it's a hassle to go out in town with us being here on the base, but with the upgrade it will make customer's experience with the shoppette more pleasant. Once this is over, I hope to have happier customers when they come back because things will be moving faster."

Though the construction at the shoppette is going on the Capehart Shoppette will continue to operate at their regular times for motorists who frequent the East Reservation.

For more information or questions concerning the construction, contact Mr. Mata at 456-3243.