Minnesota National Guard Opens New Readiness Center

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minnesota National Guard is being conscious of its ecological footprint.

A ribbon cutting ceremony Friday unveiled its new "Ben Franklin Readiness Center."

The new training facility is energy efficient and green friendly. It uses geo-thermal heating and cooling. It also uses "daylighting," which harvests natural light that comes into the building.

"For us, it's going to enhance our readiness to the state and nation. To be able to train together, train as an organization, to collaborate, it's going to help us all being in one location," Jeff Merricks, Lt. Co of the 834th Aviation Support Commander, said.

The building meets the U.S. Green Building Council facility requirements.

The National Guard said the new facility will allow soldiers to be better trained and prepared for assigned missions.