South Dakota Leaders Break Ground on New $22 Million National Guard Facility in Watertown
- Steve Jurrens
- May 8
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - State and federal leaders gathered in Watertown this week on Tuesday afternoon to officially break ground on a state-of-the-art vehicle maintenance shop for the South Dakota Army National Guard. The project, a $22.2 million investment funded entirely by federal dollars, represents over a decade of planning and a significant upgrade to the Guard’s maintenance capabilities.
Colonel Dana Limbo, Construction and Facilities Management Officer, noted that the 36,826-square-foot facility will serve as a premier maintenance hub, providing field-level repairs and technical inspections for ground vehicles, equipment, and weapons systems belonging to the 147th Field Artillery.
“This facility was designed to be flexible to ensure the highest equipment readiness levels to meet the needs of the South Dakota Army National Guard’s future state and federal missions,” said Col. Limbo.
The groundbreaking saw attendance from high-profile guests, including Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden, U.S. Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds, and Major General Mark Morrell, the Adjutant General of the South Dakota National Guard. Despite the unpredictable South Dakota weather, which moved the ceremony indoors, the mood was one of celebration and long-term commitment to military readiness.
Major General Morrell emphasized that the project is about more than just concrete and steel. “It’s about military readiness, but more than that, it’s about South Dakota’s people,” Morrell said. “We owe the best facilities and equipment to the men and women who choose a life of service.”
The facility is designed for 26 full-time personnel and is built to LEED Silver criteria with a projected 50-year lifespan. It will specifically support the heavy equipment used by the 147th Field Artillery, ensuring that South Dakota’s “citizen warriors” are equipped with the most reliable technology available.
Senator Mike Rounds, who recalled attending 31 funerals for service members during his time as Governor, stressed the gravity of equipment maintenance. “Our responsibility in the U.S. Senate is to make sure that if we ask you to put yourself on the line, you are well-led, well-trained, and you have the best equipment in the best shape we can offer.”
The new shop will significantly increase the Guard’s capacity, meeting nearly 100% of maintenance needs, compared to the 20% currently handled by aging facilities.
