RAPID CITY, S.D. – A ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the South Dakota National Guard’s new Army Aviation Readiness Center on Friday, at 4750 Guard Road, near Rapid City Regional Airport.
The $20 million, 57,000 square-foot building features training classrooms, administrative offices, equipment and supply storage and a vehicle maintenance bay.
The new facility will house over 150 soldiers from eight aviation units and will enhance unit training and readiness requirements for decades to come.
Speakers for the ceremony included Gov. Kristi Noem, Congressman Dusty Johnson, and Maj. Gen. Jeff Marlette, SDNG adjutant general.
The readiness center is designed to meet LEED Silver criteria – making the building energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
The building also includes a geothermal heat exchanger for heating and cooling, automated temperature control monitor, anti-terrorism/force protection measures, security fencing and site lighting.
