Construction has commenced on the new North Dakota Army National Guard (ND ARNG) Readiness Center in Dickinson, North Dakota, US.

The start of construction was marked by a ground-breaking ceremony that saw participation from US senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer along with US Army officials.

Occupying an area of 40,000ft², the facility will offer space and infrastructure to support the missions of the ND ARNG across the state.

It will be used for training and operations of the 816th Military Police Company. Activated in September 2017, the unit holds more than 80 soldiers, 40 vehicles, trailers, and authorised equipment.

The readiness centre will replace the current facility located next to the Stark County Sheriff’s Office.

Construction on the project is expected to be completed in June 2025.

The project is being backed by $21m in funding from the federal government and $6m from the state of North Dakota.

Roers Construction, a local construction company, has been selected as the lead contractor for the project, the Dickinson Express reported.

Hoeven said: “This new facility will be a much-needed upgrade for the 816th Military Police, supporting our tremendous guard members and complementing the readiness centre we worked to bring to Fargo.

“Between the $15.5m we’ve already secured for construction and the additional $5.4m we plan to appropriate this year, this new readiness centre is on track to be completed in 2025.

“Time and again, North Dakota’s guard members have served our state and nation with distinction, and through efforts like this, we’re working to ensure they continue having a track record of success in the wide array of missions they take on.”