Alabama National Guard conducts armory ribbon-cutting ceremony in Fayette

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Armory ribbon-cutting ceremony in Fayette

MONTGOMERY, AL (02/11/2020) (readMedia)-- The Alabama National Guard hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, February 7th, 2020 at the newly revitalized Tom Bevill Readiness Center in Fayette, AL. The Tom Bevill Readiness Center opened in 1983 with an original acquisition cost of $1,700,000. The Readiness Center is 29,389 SF, on approximately 19 acres.

Local dignitaries attending the event included Mayor Ray Nelson, Judge Mike Freeman, City Councilman Jason Cowart, and Alabama Army National Guard Col. Charles Langley. Additionally, members of the Chamber of Commerce and many current and former members of the Alabama Army National Guard were present. Lt. Col. Terry Mcpherson, the commander of the 877th Engineer Battalion, presided over the ceremony and provided brief remarks to the audience.

This readiness center is the home of the 168th Engineer Company (Horizontal). The unit is composed of approximately 150 traditional drilling Soldiers, as well as a full-time unit support staff.

The total restoration project cost was $4 million, which included:

* Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades with energy efficient systems

* Reconfiguration and addition of interior walls, installation of electronic fire alarm, and security systems

* Replacement of all interior floors, ceiling finishes, and all interior lighting with energy-efficient systems

* Upgrade to all restrooms and showers

* Replacement of all telecommunications infrastructure

* Upgrade to civilian parking and expansion of military parking

According to an Economic Analysis conducted, this unit has an economic impact to the local economy in excess of $800,000 annually.