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Report: Keyser National Guard Armory To Close

December 30th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

The Cumberland Times News reports the West Virginia National Guard Armory is closing and the 201st Artillery Unit will begin moving to the Morgantown Armory on Monday, according to Lt. Col. Melissa G. Shade, the Guard's public affairs officer.

"The actual closing date has not yet been determined," said Shade. "There have been several meetings held to determine the future of this facility but nothing has been finalized to date."

The move will reconsolidate Detachment 1 Battery B and Detachment 4 1201st with Battery B, 201st, which is located in Morgantown, according to Shade.

"I'm extremely disappointed that the armory is closing — I will continue to work to see if something can be done," Del. Gary Howell said Wednesday. "Being the largest county in this part of West Virginia, it is vitally important that we keep this homeland security asset here."

Reconsolidating the units will be cost effective and allow them to be better aligned with the construct of the organization, said Shade.

"The WVNG always strives to be financially prudent and provide the best training opportunities and environments for our soldiers," said Shade. "By consolidating these units, both these objectives will be met."

Potomac State College is considering repurchasing the armory and utilizing it for classrooms and a wellness center, according to Howell. Roughly 50 years ago, the college owned the property on Kelley Drive and sold it to the National Guard. College officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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