BUCKHANNON, W.Va. -- Construction is set to begin soon on a new West Virginia Army National Guard readiness center in Buckhannon.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito and Army National Guard Maj. Gen. James Hoyer joined state and local leaders this week to break ground on the facility.

The Inter-Mountain reports that the $13 million readiness center is expected to open within the next two years.

Officials believe the center that also will house a conference center run by the Upshur County Convention and Visitors Bureau will spur further economic growth in the area.

Construction on the first phase of the project is expected to begin shortly.

The Buckhannon Readiness Center will replace the Armory along West Virginia Route 20.

The state's National Guard has 6,500 members.