INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): Governor Mike Pence cut the ribbon today on the newly renovated Joint Force Headquarters of the Indiana National Guard.

Pence said, “When the winds blow, when the rain comes down, when the flood waters rise, it is the Indiana National Guard that's there to come alongside our citizens, and they have done so with extraordinary professionalism and selflessness. This new Joint Force Headquarters will make it more possible to them to be more prepared to defend our nation and support our people in times of crisis.”

The federally funded expansion and renovation consolidates more than 900 civilian and military personnel. Other improvements were made to accommodate 500 part-time drilling personnel. The project enabled the Indiana National Guard to discontinue leases at Fort Benjamin Harrison and the Morris Street facility, totaling $457,000 annually.

80,000 square feet was added to building 1, as well as a renovated 76,000 square feet of existing space in buildings 1, 3 and 9 and utility upgrades and furnishings. It cost around $32 million in total.