MINDEN, La. — Local leaders and Louisiana National Guard officials celebrated the opening of a $12.1 million facility at Camp Minden on Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The new Collective Training Barracks spans more than 28,000 square feet and features classrooms, supply offices, a full kitchen and beds for 168 soldiers.
Built with a focus on sustainability, the building includes solar panels and an emergency generator. Construction wrapped up in June.
"The main reason that we're here is this facility is for training soldiers, training readiness," said Col. James Slaven, of the Construction and Facilities Management Office. "That's the number one priority. Plus this facility can also serve not just for training, but if we ever get activated to respond in the state of emergency operation."