PHILADELPHIA, NOV. 19, 2010 — State Sen. Mike Stack joined the Pennsylvania National Guard on Southampton Road today for a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completed renovation of the readiness center and a new field maintenance shop.
“The Armory on Southampton Road is a landmark along the Roosevelt Boulevard, but it’s also a key part of keeping our country safe. That’s why we have to make sure that our facilities are up to date,” said Stack, who is a captain in the Army JAG Corps of the National Guard. “These projects are a significant way for Pennsylvania to thank our soldiers who serve this country and this commonwealth.”
The renovation of the readiness center consolidates operations at the current location with the Ogontz Avenue facility, which will close to conserve operational and maintenance expenses while providing the necessary infrastructure for troops stationed there. The 133,938 square-foot facility, which was built in 1975, is the largest readiness center in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
The new 27,524 square-foot field maintenance shop combines operations at Southampton Road and Fort Mifflin, which is located next to Philadelphia International Airport. This consolidation will save on operational expenses while offering better workspace in maintaining the new “Stryker” vehicles and updated mission equipment.
There will be approximately 50 full-time staff members and more than 1,000 part-time guardsmen utilizing these facilities for training, maintenance and domestic operations during a state of emergency. The total cost for both projects was $24.2 million.
“This renovation will give our soldiers the facilities they need to succeed in the 21st century, including energy efficient electrical and mechanical systems and the latest anti-terrorism and force protection standards,” Stack said. “This project is good for Pennsylvania, good for the National Guard and, most importantly, good for our men and women in uniform.”
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