Des Moines, Ia (AP)- Population shifts and changing needs have prompted the Iowa Army National Guard to consider closing some small-town armories and building a centralized building for soldier training in the Des Moines area. The guard’s construction and facilities manager told a group of lawmakers Wednesday that the guard is working with the city of West Des Moines on a new armory that would be shared with the city. Colonel John Perkins says about $22 million would be needed, with 75% from federal funding and 25% from state money. He says the project is expected to begin in 2023.
