LAKEWOOD (AP) — The state Military Department will build a new $33.6 million National Guard readiness center at its headquarters in Lakewood’s Camp Murray.
The Tacoma News Tribune reports that the decision is a disappointment to the city of Buckley, which had been lobbying to bring the project to the state’s Rainier School for the developmentally disabled; leaders had wanted to increase use of that facility.
Department spokeswoman Karina Shagren says the new plan will bring about 40 full-time employees to Camp Murray, and add 339 citizen soldiers to those who use it for weekend trainings.
The school has faced closure threats for years.
State Sen. Pam Roach, an Auburn Republican, says she had hoped to bring jobs to Buckley, but that the readiness center in Lakewood will nonetheless benefit the state and Pierce County.
