After 20 years of collaborative efforts to procure funding for a new Iowa National Guard Readiness Center, government officials finally broke ground for the new facility Monday in Iowa City.

“We’ve been blessed with unparalleled dedication from our state, federal and local officials for many years,” Iowa National Guard Public Affairs Officer Greg Hapgood said at the groundbreaking ceremony.

The state of Iowa had earmarked $5 million in matching funds in 2003 and 2004, and the Iowa Legislature approved appropriations each year since then. Johnson County agreed to a land swap in 2001, which helped provide the space needed to build the facility and the City of Iowa City agreed to provide sewer and water capabilities.

However, the readiness center didn’t receive the green light until this spring, when Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, and Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, helped procure $13 million in federal funds.

“I feel proud to have been able to secure these funds for the brave women and men who serve our country every day,” Harkin told members of the 109th Medical Battalion at a February press conference. “The construction of this new facility will help the Iowa National Guard complete essential mobilization and readiness training and prepare for their missions. Iowa Guard members play an integral role in strengthening our nation’s defenses, and they deserve the very best as they prepare for their duties.”

Due to the changing role of the National Guard, which has become more of an operational force since the war on terror began with the attacks of 9/11, guardsmen outgrew their current training facility. Built in 1937, the 18,000-square-foot facility served as a riding arena and stable for the Iowa cavalry, accommodating 125 men and their horses. The center currently houses training facilities for five Iowa National Guard units with nearly 400 officers. The increasing demands of the National Guard and the building’s poor conditions have required expensive repairs and renovations.

“I must compliment the Iowa National Guard for your resourcefulness in maintaining the operational

capacity of this readiness center. But at 71 years old, it does show its age, and enough is enough,” Loebsack told Guard members at the February press confernece. “It’s time for something new. The citizen soldiers who serve the Iowa National Guard deserve only the finest training facilities, and this is clearly not up to par. We have a responsibility to serve you with the same dedication that you have served us, and I believe this readiness center reflects our commitment to doing so.”

The new center will consist of more than 93,000 total square feet at an estimated cost of approximately $17.6 million, the Iowa City Readiness Center is 75 percent federally funded, and 25 percent state-funded. National Guard officials said that sustainable design is one of their priorities, so this facility is designed to meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standard. More than 500 soldiers from five Iowa National Guard units will be headquartered at the new facility. It is anticipated that the project will be completed in 2010.

Representatives for Loebsack, Harkin and Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, attended Monday’s event, the Press-Citizen reported. Iowa City Mayor Regina Bailey and Johnson County Supervisor Pat Harney also came to the groundbreaking.

“I’m delighted this project is coming on line,” Bailey said.