CENTENNIAL, Colo. (9/22/10) – The Colorado National Guard broke ground today on a new facility at Joint Force Headquarters-Colorado.

The plaza renovation and mailroom construction, which is being driven by security concerns, will include a memorial to fallen CONG members.

The mailroom move will increase security in light of modern, potential threats while jointly helping alleviate overcrowding in office spaces, said Army Maj. Brenndan Torres, a civil engineer with the CONG’s construction and facility management office.

“People in the community – those who have loved ones who have unfortunately died in service with the National Guard – will have a place to come to that will memorialize their loved ones’ service and sacrifice,” he continued.

According to Torres, approximately 35 percent of construction will be by service-disabled, veteran-owned businesses. In addition, the contractor, architects, consultants, and all subcontractors are from Colorado.

Construction costs alone on this federally funded project will inject more than $1 million into Colorado’s economy. The funding stream for the memorial hasn’t been determined, he said.

Construction is expected to be completed in four months.