State officials stressed to the Lawrence County Board ofSupervisors Monday that the county is still first in line toreceive a new Mississippi Army National Guard armory, but added itmay be some time in coming.

Supervisors received the update from District 39 Sen. CindyHyde-Smith, Mississippi Army National Guard Facility Engineer KenBarden, the local unit commander and a representative fromCongressman Chip Pickering’s staff.

“We are currently still number one on this list of areas to geta facility, but Mr. Barden indicated the process would be slow andwe should try to speed it up,” said District One Supervisor SteveGarrett.

Garrett said supervisors will follow Barden’s suggestion to makea trip to Washington, D.C., to encourage funding for the project.However, they have not determined a date for the trip.

Property on old Highway 27 has already been prepared for the newarmory and the architect has completed the design.