PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- Construction on a 70-million dollar renovation of the State Health Lab in Pierre is underway.  Officials with the South Dakota Department of Health presented an update on the project to the Pierre City Commission Tuesday night.  State Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt says the facility will be more than a laboratory.

Health Lab Director Dr. Tim Southern hopes the Workforce Development and Education Center brings the community of Pierre together.

The first of three phases is underway in site prep which should conclude in September when phase two will begin.

Southern says the expansion is one of the greatest benefits to come from the Covid-19 pandemic as funding for the buildings is coming largely from the American Rescue Plan Act Capital Construction Fund.