The Delaware National Guard will host an event at its River Road Training Site in New Castle this morning to announce the groundbreaking on the construction of the new River Road Readiness Center.
With an investment of $25 million, the River Road Readiness Center is designed to be a state-of-the-art facility, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Delaware Army National Guard. The center will primarily serve two units: the 153rd Military Police Company and the 302nd Field Feeding Team. The design of the center is focused on meeting the requirements of future force structures, ensuring that both units can train and operate at the highest levels.
The readiness center, encompassing nearly 47,000 square feet, will feature a multifaceted space catering to various operational needs. A highlight of the center is a 5,400 square foot drill hall, equipped with movable partitions that can transform the space into three separate areas for events. Additionally, the center will include 4,500 square feet of classroom space, more than 20 designated workstations, a media room, and a conference room. To support the operational needs of the 302nd Field Feeding Team, the facility will also house a 1,726 square foot full-service kitchen.
Funding for this project comes from both federal and state sources. The federal government has earmarked $16.0 million for the project, with the State contributing an additional $8.7 million. The readiness center, apart from housing the 153rd Military Police Company, will also be the base for the 287th Army Band. The facility’s design includes provisions for administrative functions, training activities, and material storage for the military units it will host.
Located on federal land, the construction of the River Road Readiness Center is scheduled to start in December 2023. The project’s completion is anticipated in December 2026, marking a significant enhancement in the infrastructure and capabilities of the Delaware Army National Guard.