A new multimillion-dollar, state-of-the-art Louisiana National Guard Readiness Center is now in operation on Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Ave.

Officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the Louisianan National Guard Lake Charles Readiness Center on Friday morning.

The facility was announced in December 2020 following hurricane-related armory damages and broke ground in June 2022. The $29 million facility is for the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion of the 156th Infantry Regiment; and Company H of the 199th Brigade Support Battalion. It will house and train about 170 soldiers.

The project is split into a 38,232-square-foot readiness center and a 12,159-square-foot maintenance training facility. The readiness center has two sides: one for administrative and office spaces and one for training spaces and classrooms.

It has a “campus-like feel,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana. The facilities have shared spaces for soldiers, like an auditorium, kitchen, and locker rooms. The Readiness Center also meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, with a solar array system that powers part of the building.

He called the building “truly spectacular.”

“I know the soldiers of the 3rd Battalion will appreciate this facility for many, many years to come.”

The total cost of the project was $29,459,812. The American Press reported in 2020 that the project was funded by the National Guard, with Chennault maintaining ownership of the grounds.

Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton said the project is thanks to a partnership between Chennault International Airport and the Louisiana National Guard built on “military history, mutual trust, respect and intention.”

“I look forward to those so that we can continue to collaborate and synergize our efforts for the common good and ultimately be sure to protect what matters,” she said. “We are a team. We are a force that drives excellence and demands results without fail.”