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CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The North Dakota National Guard held a groundbreaking ceremony today for the construction of a vehicle maintenance shop and vehicle storage building in Valley City.

Senator John Hoeven joined state and local officials to dedicate the future North Dakota National Guard facilities. Hoeven said an upgrade was needed to alleviate the cramped space at the current facility. 

As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven worked to ensure that $10.8 million of the $13 million dollar cost of the facilities was included in the 2015 defense appropriations bill.

Valley City Mayor Bob Werkhoven said the new facility will play a positive role for the city and the region.

The National Guard will use the facility for repair and maintenance work for combat and tactical vehicles.

The current shop built in 1960 was not suitable for expansion with 3,230 square feet. Completion date of the new 45,000 square foot facility is set for July 2017.

Hoeven, Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley and North Dakota National Guard Adjutant General David Sprynczynatyk attended the ceremony today in Valley City.

The N.D. National Guard’s presence within the Valley City community dates back to 1884 when Company G, 1st Dakota Volunteers of the Dakota Territory first mustered here.

As North Dakota entered statehood in 1889, the unit became the 1st North Dakota Infantry Regiment and later was designated as Company G, 164th Infantry Regiment in 1917. Under the moniker, soldiers from the unit served in France during World War I and the Pacific Theater in World War II.

In 1955, it was renamed again as the 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, of which the unit was known until 2008 when it transformed into the 231st Brigade Support Battalion.