National Guard Proposes Fewer, Larger Armories Across Idaho

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) — The National Guard is looking to consolidate 21 small armories across Idaho into nine regional armories, with plans for the first one to be built in the Magic Valley.

The Times-News reports that the guard presented the plan this month to the state's Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council in Boise. The proposal calls for the first consolidated armory to be constructed on 130 acres along U.S. 93 in Jerome County.

It would replace the armories in Twin Falls, Jerome, Gooding, Hailey and Burley. The $20 million armory would be funded using state and federal money. Idaho Army National Guard Col. Farin Schwartz says the guard won't know whether they can secure funding for the project for at least another year.