DES MOINES, Iowa — A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Iowa National Guard facility was held Wednesday in West Des Moines, with Governor Kim Reynolds and plenty of dignitaries on hand.

The West Des Moines Readiness Center is a part of the Guard’s modernization effort to support national defense. The 40,000 square foot building features an assembly hall, offices, classrooms, a physical fitness space, and storage space for equipment.

It will serve as the home of the 1st Battalion 168th Infantry Regiment and the 2168th Transportation Company.

At the grand opening, the leader of the Iowa National Guard thanked the Governor for her leadership in making the facility possible.

“Governor Reynolds, your steadfast support for the Iowa National Guard has been instrumental in bringing this facility to life. Your advocacy for the resources and infrastructure needed to keep our forces strong ensures we are fully equipped to meet every mission. Whether that’s responding to disasters here at home or deploying overseas in defense of our nation’s ideals,” said Major General Stephen E. Osborn, Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard.

The facility will also play a role in supporting training, mobilization, and emergency response efforts throughout Iowa.