Construction could begin this month for a new $13 million perimeter security system for Rome Lab, a lab official told the Rome Sentinel. Construction is expected to begin as early as October and to be completed by August 2021.

Rome Laboratory is the U.S. Air Force's lab for command, control and communications research and development and is responsible for planning and executing the USAF science and technology program in Rome, N.Y.

The perimeter security upgrade will include wrought-iron fencing that will cover 9,000 linear feet overall, plus a visitor control center and entry-control point. A $13.15 million construction contract was awarded in January, and a ceremony launching work on the project was held in February at the lab. Pre-construction phases were delayed about six weeks due to COVID-19 impacts.

Total employment at the lab in fiscal 2019 included 755 civilian and 61 military positions along with 403 on-site contractors, according to its economic impact analysis report.