The Army is moving forward with plans for a $29 million Infantry Platoon Battle Course at Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said Thursday.

After conducting an environmental impact statement analysis of alternatives, the Army decided on the “Western Range” alternative.

The 110-acre battle course will be used to train and test infantry platoons and other units on tactical movement techniques and to detect, identify and engage stationary and moving infantry and armor targets with small arms, machine guns and other weapons systems, the Army said.

“This project will both create jobs in Hawaii and provide our troops with an apt training ground to ensure the safety of our state and our nation,” Schatz said. “Hawaii has long been a strategic and imperative training ground for the U.S. Army. I’m happy to announce that our local economy and defense preparedness will both be improved with the construction of this battle course.”