PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- The South Dakota Department of Health officially broke ground today (April 23, 2024) for its new Workforce and Education Center in Pierre.

Governor Kristi Noem said she first proposed the facility in her 2021 budget.

State Health Lab Director Dr. Tim Southern said when complete, it will include a state-of-the-art health laboratory.

Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt said the new Workforce and Education Center is a complex structure to build.

Pierre Mayor Steve Harding said the Center will be another great partnership between the town and state government.

The first phase of the project should be done this year, with final completion scheduled for the Fall of 2026.

Watch the progress of the Workforce and Education Center on its Facebook page.