Work is starting on construction of a conference center that officials hope will help attract business to a technology park near the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center in southern Indiana.

Gov. Mitch Daniels joined local officials for a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for the $8.8 million center for the WestGate at Crane Technology Park. The 64,000 square-foot, two-story building will include training classrooms and office space.

Daniels says the center will be an economic catalyst and attract companies doing business with the base about 25 miles southwest of Bloomington, where more than 3,500 workers develop and test military weapons systems.

The center is within a few miles of the Interstate 69 extension route and is being built with a $6.6 million federal grant and up to $1 million in state funding.