LAFAYETTE, La (KLFY) – A new Louisiana National Guard Readiness Center is being built in Lafayette, located across from the Cajundome.

The facility is designed to serve as a hub for housing and training National Guard troops, with the goal of enhancing their preparedness for field operations.

State officials have described the center as a major improvement for the Acadiana area; however, some residents in nearby neighborhoods, particularly the Oaklawn community, have voiced concerns about the project and the lack of public communication prior to construction.

Following the groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 8, several residents reached out to representative Annie Spell with questions regarding the building’s purpose and its compliance with local ordinances.

In response, Spell’s team, in collaboration with the Louisiana National Guard, issued a public statement on her official Facebook page addressing the concerns. The statement clarified that the Readiness Center is a state-funded project located on state property, meaning it did not require the standard municipal procedures for public notification and approval.

Officials also reassured the community that the facility will not be used for helicopter or weapons training and testing. Instead, it will serve as the new headquarters for the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, functioning as a primary site for planning, training, housing and overall field readiness operations.

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