Funds released for training base at arsenal

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

COLUMBUS — The state Controlling Board released $1.6 million Monday for utilities improvements to service a new soldier- training facility at the former Ravenna Arsenal.

The funds will go toward the installation of thousands of feet of water, sewer and natural-gas lines to accommodate the tactical training base at Camp Ravenna Joint Military Training Center in Newton Falls.

Construction costs are estimated at $1.5 million, with the remainder going to supervision, inspection, overhead and contingency purposes. The project is “100 percent federally funded,” according to documents.

The training-base plans call for existing buildings at the site to be converted into barracks, dining areas, headquarters and other facilities to serve 2,000 soldiers.

The former Ravenna Army Ammunition Plant was built in 1940-41, and about 15,000 people worked at the facility during World War II. It ceased making bombs and other ammunition in the early 1970s.