WPAFB, Ohio -- Wright-Paterson Air Force Base broke ground on a new facility on Wednesday, and that means new jobs to the Miami Valley.

The Air Force Research Laboratory Sensors Directorate is a $36 million project.

A large group of supporters gathered at the base for the groundbreaking.

Rep. Mike Turner said, “This is the largest expansion since World War II.”

The project will combine forces with two other sensor directorate facilities currently located in Massachusetts and New York. That will put all of the scientists in one place, maximizing their potential.

Dr. Dave Jerome who is the director of Sensors Directorate said, “By bringing groups together it allows us to push our technology even further.”

Bill Butt whose construction company was awarded the $36 million contract is thrilled to be working on this project.

Butt said, “The private sector is really struggling because of the economy. The work here is great for the entire Dayton region.”

The project is expected to create about 100 new positions.

Col. Brad Spacy said, “We’re spending more time in the community helping them get access to jobs. Knowing how to apply for them and look for more of that as the months go by.”

The deadline to have the new facility operational is April 2011.