A momentous day for the Village of Dundee on Friday afternoon. Federal, state, and local officials announced that the Michigan National Guard purchased 44 acres of land from Monroe Bank & Trust for a new super-armory. The guard will now seek federal funding for more than one unit at the location as well as a maintenance facility.
Major General Gregory Vadnais, the Adjutant General of Michigan made the installations and armories of the Michigan National Guard a priority when appointed by Governor Snyder in 2011. Vadnais directed that the Michigan National Guard participate in the first round of a national strategic study of armories which generated a comprehensive report for congress. That study identified Dundee as a high value area due to the large population within a one hour driving distance.
This study also identified that certain facilities in the state were either aging, located in poor strategic areas, or could not deploy quickly in times of activation. Because of this, several armories have closed including: Owosso, Charlotte, Sturgis, Manistee, and Adrian.
Michigan Senator Dale Zorn said at the announcement, “During the 2014 closure of the Adrian armory, I was contacted by General Michael Stone, Brigadier General of the Michigan National Guard to assist the Guard in locating property in Monroe County, preferably in the Dundee area that could be considered for a regional super armory that would be home for three or four National Guard Companies.”
Zorn went on to say that, “The primary requirement was to be centrally located in Southeast Michigan, close to freeways of US 23, I-75, I-94, I-96, and Interstate 80-90.”
WLEN News interviewed Zorn after the announcement and he outlined how this super-armory will benefit both Monroe and Lenawee Counties…
WLEN News also talked to Congressman Tim Walberg about the announcement…
Media in this post courtesy of State Senator Dale Zorn and his office, the Michigan National Guard, and WLEN News. Tune into our local and state newscasts, anytime day or night, for this story and more.
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