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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) On a 3 to 2 vote the Barnes County commission approved of using ,000 from the Barnes County Economic Development Fund to support the development of construction associated with the new National Guard facility and the I-94 Regional Corridor project east of Valley City. Commissioners Knutson and Berntson voted no.

Commission President Eldred Knutson says while he supports economic development he continues to question the decision to purchase the former Stan Ryan property for $4.65 million dollars for this project. He worries about the precedent set for purchasing land near the Interstate Corridor for future development.

But area Director of Development Jennifer Feist says defined the sale as willing seller, willing buyer and she says Guard would only accept that location.

Commissioner John Froehlich says the cost may be high but the city and county will benefit from this project in the long run.

Construction of the first National Guard building, a 35,000 square foot, Facility Maintenance Center will start in the spring of 2015.

It’s unknown how many full time guard members will be working at the new Valley City facility once wartime status changes take effect.