A $33 million armed forces readiness center opened recently in Madison, Wis., that houses four services in one location and designed to save millions in operating costs by combining five former facilities.
The facility is part of a six-year old policy called the Base Realignment and Closure Act of 2005 which function is to assure an efficient force while following through on fiscal responsibility by reducing costs.
The center which will be home to about 1,000 service members, is designed to accommodate more service members from the Wisconsin Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Navy Reserve and Marine Reserve and culminates a nearly two-year project.
The combined square footage of the center is 178,000 square feet on 40 acres of land and allows for vehicle maintenance, marksmanship training, service member support that includes general training, mobilization sustainment, administrative as well as a host of other support activities allowing service members to focus on their specialties.
The building exceeds standards for its energy and water conservation by obtaining increase environment sustainability in air, water and energy quality of life for the community and those who will utilize the facility.
Dignitaries who came to officially open the center Saturday of Wisconsin's newest training center at the state-owned facility on the city's far east side were Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, The Wisconsin Adjustant General Maj. Gen. Donald P. Dunbar, the Honorable Paul E. Lima, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, the Honorable Max Oleson, Army Reserve Ambassador for Wisconsin, and others.
"This facility demonstrates the success of a project that began in 1990 that facilities be used for joint usage among reserve forces," said Lima, "I'm glad to see it implemented here today."
The sentiment of joint cooperation is echoed by Wisconsin's lieutenant governor.
Kleefish said, "I am proud of the service members who make sacrifices to serve. The collaboration of all services here will be able to train and unite in a 21st century facility it will enhance training and cooperation."
"Citizen Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines citizens suit-up, go defend and return to train and this facility will help as they pursue those endeavors," said Dunbar.
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