[April 08, 2013] Beale begins construction of new communications building Tweet Apr 08, 2013 (Appeal-Democrat - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A $6.1 million plan to relocate top communications brass from the Air National Guard from Sacramento to Beale Air Force base took off Saturday in Yuba County. Construction on a new 10,800-square-foot building got underway with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on B Street at the Air Force base. "We're the administrative headquarters for three units of the 162nd Combat Communications Group," said Lt. Col. Gary Aten. Comprised of nine units, the group has three primary missions: space communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and cyberspace communication service and oversees 773 personnel. Aten said the group plans to transition into "Offensive Counterspace" and help defend American equipment and assets in space. The single-story building was designed by a Folsom engineering company and will be built by a Fresno construction company. Aten expects construction to be completed in May next year and said personnel will begin moving the following month. Eventually, 72 full-time employee will work at the headquarters in Yuba County. Presently, the administrators work out of the North Highlands Air National Guard Station in Sacramento. The project was authorized by the US Congress and funded from the US Department of Defense. CONTACT Rob Parsons at rparsons@appealdemocrat .com or 749-4785. Find him on Facebook at /ADcrimebeat or on Twitter at @ADcrimebeat. ___ (c)2013 the Appeal-Democrat (Marysville, Calif.) Visit the Appeal-Democrat (Marysville, Calif.) at www.appeal-democrat.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]