Sandpoint Armory axed
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August 4, 2013 |
Due to a lack of federal funding for this
military construction project, the Idaho Army
National Guard is discontinuing a project to
construct a new Readiness Center (armory) near
the City of Sandpoint.
This project began in 2008 in anticipation of
obtaining $8 million in Federal Military
Construction funding. Unfortunately, federal
funding has been limited and the opportunity for
future funding may add another five to ten years
to the construction timeline.
The Idaho Army National Guard placed a temporary
building on the projected construction site, but
its annual maintenance costs – in the $50,000 to
$60,000 range - strained its budget.
The Idaho Army National Guard therefore
reconsidered the project and decided it was most
economical to close the temporary facility and
discontinue the plan to build a permanent
facility there.
Approximately 40 soldiers of the Idaho Army
National Guard trained at the facility one
weekend per month. They will now perform their
monthly training at the Post Falls National
Guard armory as part of the 145 Brigade Support
Battalion.
“The Idaho Army National Guard sincerely
appreciates the generous cooperation and support
from the City of Sandpoint and Bonner County to
build this Readiness Center,” said Major General
Gary Sayler, Idaho Adjutant General and
commander, Idaho National Guard. “Considering
all of the conditions and variables, we feel
this action is the most prudent option for our
organization.”
The Idaho Army National Guard will coordinate
with the City of Sandpoint and Bonner County in
the near future to handle all actions needed to
return ownership of the real property. |
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