PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - The Army National Guard in Peoria is getting a major boost.

A total of $8 million in federal funding has been secured to build a new readiness center. This comes as the government shutdown recently ended, with Congress passing a continuing resolution that included money for military readiness.

The funds will pair with $20 million the state is providing as part of a cost-share effort.

This new facility is crucial because the current 50-year-old buildings were failing, putting the National Guard’s mission at risk. It will support nearly 300 soldiers and improve their ability to respond to emergency disasters across Illinois.

Democratic U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, along with Congressman Eric Sorensen, helped secure these funds.

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