The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s new western headquarters will be in St. Louis. NGA employs about 3,100 people in the St. Louis area. Many local and state leaders are thrilled about the news that the spy agency will stay in St. Louis and build a $1.75 billion development project near downtown.

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon makes his remarks regarding the announcement that the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) plans to stay in St. Louis and build a new North St. Louis City site for $1.6 billion it was announced in St. Louis on April 1, 2016. Standing with Nixon are (L to R) Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-St. Louis), Congressman William (Lacy) Clay (D-St. Louis), St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO). The State of Illinois had also propsed a site at Scott Air Force Base for the facility.  Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon announces that the NGA plans to stay in St. Louis. Standing with Nixon are (L to R) Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-St. Louis), Congressman William (Lacy) Clay (D-St. Louis), St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO). Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

East-central Missouri Democratic Congressman William Lacy Clay says history has come full circle in north St. Louis.

“A great federal failure will now be replaced by a transformative federal success. The decision to select North St. Louis as the preferred site for the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency’s new western headquarters is a victory…the largest single federal investment in the history of the City of St. Louis.”

Missouri Republican U.S. Senator Roy Blunt says the NGA made the right decision in selecting North St. Louis as the preferred site for their future campus.

“Missouri is home to thousands of dedicated, highly-skilled NGA personnel who have provided critical intelligence and combat support to keep Americans safe. The North St. Louis location will allow the NGA to continue its mission, and recruit the next generation of intelligence professionals seeking the type of urban, car-optional lifestyle the city provides.”

Governor Jay Nixon (D) says he’s pleased that officials worked together in a bi-partisan effort to keep NGA in St. Louis.

“The NGA’s decision is a testament to the city’s innovative workforce and infrastructure, and the tireless leadership of Mayor Slay, our entire congressional delegation, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the many other business and civic leaders who were involved in this effort,” said Governor Jay Nixon.

West-central Missouri Republican Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer also says the outcome of NGA’s decision was a team effort.

“NGA and Missouri have had a mutually beneficial relationship for the last 70 years and it is my hope this important agency and the state will work together for another 70 years,” said.

Construction is expected to begin in 2018. It is to be complete by 2022 or 2023, officials said.