Drawings for Connellsville National Guard armory in the works
CONNELLSVILLE TWP. – Preliminary drawings for a 23,000-square-foot National Guard armory are in the making, thanks to an additional $1.7 million for the project appropriated by the federal government. The additional funding enables the Department of General Services (DGS) to move ahead with the project after it was forced to suspend it seven months ago because of preliminary cost estimates.
According to Lt. Col. Chris Cleaver, National Guard public relations spokesman, another 100 people were added to the unit, creating a need for more space and additional funding. With the help of U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown), the DGS obtained the needed funding while Murtha also helped to secure the initial $1.7 million for the project three years ago.
Cleaver said the increase in manpower took the building from 20,000 square feet to 23,000 square feet.
Cleaver said preliminary drawings for the project are about 35 percent complete. “Everything’s moving forward,” Cleaver added.
The DGS plans to construct the building on a 15-acre tract along Rock Ridge Road, next to the Connellsville Township Elementary School.
Since the property is zoned A-1 (agricultural), the DGS was required to adhere to certain criteria in order to operate the facility.
As part of a settlement between the DGS and the township, Commonwealth Court Senior Judge Emil E. Narick granted the DGS permission last September to continue with the project but required them to comply with 10 terms and conditions.
When it is completed, the new facility will house Company D, 1-103rd Armor Unit, replacing the former site located on West Washington Street that the Guard has used since 1902.
In addition to housing the administrative offices, the building will include a gymnasium and educational training classrooms, as well as a 75-space parking lot.
Murtha said the final appropriation for the project will modernize local training and help the nation.
“It will keep the National Guard members and their payroll here in our local community,” he said.
Cleaver said the National Guard plans to break ground on the project next summer.