Sandpoint Armory axed |
| 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. |