Lac du Flambeau - For years, the Lac Du Flambeau community has been working toward a plan to build a new health center that could easily accomodate local residents.

The Peter Christensen Health Center has served the Lac Du Flambeau community for years but officials said it was time for a new, larger facility.

Today, that plan was kick started with a ceremonial groundbreaking at the new site along Highway 47.

The ceremony focused on the $5.7 million construction project that's expected to span 26,000 square feet.

Community leaders say they can't wait for the new facility to open.

Adrienne Laverdure, the Medical Director of the Health Center, says, "It's just the beginning of our providers able to provide not only more services but continuing good, quality health care for the community."

Victoria Doud, LDF Tribal President, says, "I hope this wellness center and our new clinic can help us have longer and healthier lives."

The Medical staff of the new facility is playing an important role in the plan design.

They're providing ideas for developing areas of the Health Center they feel will help give better quality service.

The center will also highlight the tribe's Ojibwe culture in it's design.

Construction of the center is expected to begin in May of next year and conclude late next fall.