City Of Muskogee Celebrates Takeover Of Old Armory

The old National Guard Armory is ready for a new life in Muskogee.

The city celebrated its takeover of the building today.

The state Department of Environmental Quality has been busy overseeing its cleanup, getting rid of lead contamination from the old indoor firing range.

The city hopes to turn it into a flight school since it sits on airport property.

"In fact, they've been on us to hurry and get it done, so they can get this contract in place," said Angela Hughes, of the DEQ. "So, we're hopeful that will go through, so they can start utilizing the building very soon."

DEQ has already cleaned up more than half the 60 old armories being turned over to the Oklahoma towns in which they sit.