In 2019, the Army National Guard purchased a 40-acre site in the Horn Rapids Industrial Park for their newest Readiness Center. They are currently working with the City of Richland to obtain building permits with plans to start construction of the $15 million facility in spring 2021 with building occupancy slated for January 2022. The Readiness Center will be the headquarters for a Stryker company of the Guard’s 1st Brigade Combat Team, and one of two brigades for the eight-wheeled armored vehicles in the National Guard.

Operated by a small staff of 3-4 people, Tuesday through Friday each week, the Readiness Center is also used one weekend a month for drills. The drills bring in approximately 20-150 trainees. The complex replaces an aging facility in Bellingham, Washington used for disaster training, fire response and other civil preparedness missions. In addition, when not in use, the facility is available for public rental with low rental rates.