RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Ellsworth Air Force Base has opened a community center that will serve as a gathering place for airmen and their families.

The 5,100-square-foot facility is the centerpiece of a $64 million construction project that when complete will add 214 homes to the base near Rapid City.

Base officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the community center on Wednesday. Col. Ty Neuman with the 28th Bomb Wing says a place for socializing has been long overdue.

Sixty-three of the new homes have been finished and are occupied. Neuman says the rest will be completed over the next 1-1/2 years.

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